Understanding the Social Factors That Impact Health
The Five Main Areas of SDOH
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. They are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes and play a large role in many of the health inequalities we see today. SDOH can be categorised into five main areas:
Socioeconomic status:
This includes factors such as income, education, and employment. People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and premature death.
Social and community context:
This includes factors such as social support networks, neighbourhood safety, and access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. People with strong social support networks and access to healthy resources are more likely to have better health outcomes.
Healthcare access and quality:
This includes factors such as availability of healthcare providers, affordability of care, and quality of care. People with access to quality healthcare are more likely to receive preventive care and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Education:
This includes factors such as educational attainment and access to quality education. People with higher levels of education are more likely to have better health outcomes, such as higher income, better job opportunities, and healthier behaviours.
Neighbourhood and built environment:
This includes factors such as housing quality, air quality, and access to green spaces. People living in neighbourhoods with safe housing, clean air, and access to green spaces are more likely to have better health outcomes.
Building awareness on the matter of SDOH allows us to better understand ourselves and each other. It also affords us the opportunity to address critical health disparities in our society.
What are some questions or thoughts you have around the five main social determinants of health?
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