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Social Determinants of Heath
What are Social Determinants of Health?
Health starts in our homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. We know that taking care of ourselves by eating well and staying active, not smoking, getting the recommended immunizations and screening tests, and seeing a doctor when we are sick all influence our health. Our health is also determined in part by access to social and economic opportunities; the resources and supports available in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities; the quality of our schooling; the safety of our workplaces; the cleanliness of our water, food, and air; and the nature of our social interactions and relationships. The conditions in which we live explain in part why some Americans are healthier than others and why Americans more generally are not as healthy as they could be. The World Health Organization defines Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) as the conditions in which people are “born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems” (economic, social policies, and political systems) that shape the conditions of daily life. These SDOH affect a person’s health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and directly result in health inequities which could be avoided if all individuals are provided with equal access to social and/or economic resources. Social Determinants of Health are categorized into five essential areas which include several key interrelated issues:
Each of these five determinant areas reflects a number of key issues that make up the underlying factors in the arena of SDOH.
Why Social Determinants of Health Matter
Addressing social determinants of health is important for improving health and reducing health disparities. Though health care is essential to health, it is a relatively weak health determinant. Research shows that health outcomes are driven by an array of factors, including underlying genetics, health behaviors, social and environmental factors, and health care. While there is currently no consensus in the research on the magnitude of the relative contributions of each of these factors to health, studies suggest that health behaviors, such as smoking, diet, and exercise, and social and economic factors are the primary drivers of health outcomes, and social and economic factors can shape individuals’ health behaviors. For example, children born to parents who have not completed high school are more likely to live in an environment that poses barriers to health such as lack of safety, exposed garbage, and substandard housing. They also are less likely to have access to sidewalks, parks or playgrounds, recreation centers, or a library. Further, evidence shows that stress negatively affects health across the lifespan and that environmental factors may have multi-generational impacts. Addressing social determinants of health is not only important for improving overall health, but also for reducing health disparities that are often rooted in social and economic disadvantages.
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