Where you live, your educational background, and the relationships you build can all affect your health in ways that may not be obvious at first. These factors, known as the social determinants of health, can help explain why some communities may have different health outcomes than others.
If you’re interested in a career in public health, it’s helpful to understand the social determinants and the role they play in overall health and well-being. So what are the social determinants of health? Here’s what you should know.
What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
Social determinants of health are factors that can affect people’s health outside of genetics and medical care. According to the World Health Organization, they include conditions like where people live and work, as well as access to money and resources. Generally speaking, people with lower socioeconomic status and fewer resources tend to experience worse health outcomes, including illness and death.
For example, having access to safe housing and reliable transportation can affect a person’s ability to manage their health. Without those resources, it can become much harder for people to take care of themselves, leading to health inequities locally, nationally, and around the world.
5 Social Determinants of Health
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified 5 social determinants of health as part of its Healthy People 2030 initiative. These areas include economic stability, education quality, healthcare access, neighborhood, and social context.
1. Economic Stability
Economic stability includes factors like housing, employment, income, and food security. Limited financial resources can make it harder for people to afford nutritious food, quality housing, and other necessities that can help them stay healthy.
For example, someone living paycheck to paycheck may struggle to afford rent and groceries. They may need to make difficult decisions that can affect their overall health.
2. Education Access and Quality
From elementary school through high school and beyond, education can have an impact on people’s health. People with access to early childhood education and quality schools may be more likely to graduate high school and continue onto higher education, which may help them get stable jobs with higher incomes.
Education can also affect someone’s ability to understand health-related information. Limited access to education can make it harder for people to navigate the healthcare system, which can be complex.
3. Healthcare Access and Quality
This social determinant focuses on how easily people can get the healthcare they need. It can include factors like location, insurance coverage, and access to quality providers.
For example, a rural resident who lives hours away from the closest primary care doctor may hesitate to schedule a routine exam or screening. Someone without health insurance may avoid going to the doctor because they can’t afford to pay out of pocket. These factors can make it harder for people to access quality care.
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment
The places where people live can affect their health in many ways. Factors in this area include housing conditions, air and water quality, neighborhood safety, and access to physical activity.
A neighborhood with low crime rates, clean water, public parks, bike lanes, and nearby grocery stores can help people lead healthier lives. On the other hand, an unsafe neighborhood with poor air quality and few green spaces may negatively affect residents’ health.
5. Social and Community Context
Social relationships and community can play a role in people’s health. This area includes social support, community involvement, and interactions with friends, family members, co-workers, and others.
People with strong social connections may have more access to mental and emotional support. Other social experiences, like isolation, bullying, or discrimination, can contribute to health problems, such as stress or anxiety.
Why Do Social Determinants of Health Matter in Public Health?
Public health focuses on creating healthier communities and helping people improve their quality of life. The social determinants of health can help explain why nonmedical factors may lead some groups to experience poorer health outcomes.
Some jobs in public health may involve researching how social determinants affect specific populations or communities. For example, a public health professional may study how a lack of neighborhood grocery stores affects residents’ nutritional choices and physical health.
Social determinants can also influence public health policies and programs at local, state, and national levels. A community health initiative, for example, may focus on expanding public transportation to make it easier for people to access medical care or commute to work.
Overall, social determinants matter in public health because they help explain why some groups face more health challenges than others. By understanding these determinants, public health professionals can work to address health inequities with the goal of creating safer, healthier environments for all communities.
Study Foundational Public Health Concepts at WCU
Social determinants of health include economic stability, education, healthcare access, neighborhood, and social relationships. In the public health field, professionals use these factors to consider how to create more equitable health conditions across communities.
At West Coast University, students can explore the social determinants of health in more depth by taking Foundations of Public Health, a core course in the online Master of Public Health program. Undergraduate students who want a streamlined path to a master’s degree can also take the course as part of the online Bachelor of Science in Public Health bridge program.
If you’re interested in exploring WCU’s public health programs, reach out to schedule an information session today!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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