Building a Healthier Future: Taking Control of Social Determinants of Health
Your health is not solely determined by visits to the doctor or the latest medical breakthroughs. Health is complex and involves many factors, and at its core lie the social determinants of health (SDoH).
So, what are the Social Determinants of Health? SDoH are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They encompass a wide range of interconnected factors that shape our daily lives, influencing our well-being in profound ways. A guiding principle of the SDoH is health starts where we live, learn, work, and play.
Imagine a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. The SDoH hold the key to unlocking this vision, as they recognize that health extends far beyond the absence of illness. Let's look at the five areas of the SDoH.
1. Economic Stability: Financial security forms the foundation for good health. Adequate income, stable employment, and access to resources empower individuals to make healthier choices, obtain quality healthcare, and secure safe living conditions.
2. Education Access and Quality: Education catalyzes personal growth, expanding horizons and empowering individuals to make informed decisions. It equips people with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
3. Social and Community Context: Strong social connections and supportive communities promote a sense of belonging and provide a safety net during challenging times. Access to healthcare services, social networks, and community resources enhances overall well-being and resilience.
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment: The spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our health. Safe and clean neighborhoods, access to nutritious food, green spaces, and opportunities for physical activity contribute to healthier lifestyles and reduced health disparities.
5. Healthcare Access and Quality: While not traditionally considered a social determinant, the healthcare system affects health inequities. Equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare services, health insurance coverage, and culturally responsive care is essential for ensuring better health outcomes for all.
Healthy People 2030, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
With this information, think of the SDoH as non-healthcare data, including but not limited to, education and literacy, employment, social environment, primary support, and psychosocial circumstance. What actions can we take with this information to address Social Determinants of Health in our lives? Ask yourself the following self-reflection questions for each of the five areas:
1. Economic Stability:
Do you have money and financial resources?
Do you feel the financial strain?
Can you save for the future and enjoy the present?
2. Education Access and Quality:
Are you provided with opportunities for upward mobility at work?
Do you have access to regular training and development?
Do you have autonomy at your job?
3. Social and Community Context:
Who do you hang out with?
What do you do for fun?
Do you feel connected to the people in your life?
Do you have enough time for family and friends?
Are you lonely?
Do the people in your life have a role to play in your health and well-being?
4. Neighbourhood and Built Environment:
Where do you live?
What does home mean to you?
What is your neighbourhood like?
Do you like where you live? Do you wish you lived somewhere else?
Do you feel safe and healthy?
Who do you live with? Does this affect you?
5. Healthcare Access and Quality:
Do you have good health care?
Do you attend regular screenings?
Are you able to prioritize well-being and see a doctor when needed?
““Work with what you have, start with what you know.””
Now take it one step further by addressing the factors that impact you in each of these areas.
What impacts your ability to live a healthy, safe life?
What impacts your ability to get a job, keep a job, and work well?
What impacts your ability to stay connected with the people in your life?
What impacts your ability to achieve the means and logistical facilitators to stay healthy?
What impacts your ability to thrive and reach your potential?
Identifying these factors and what you have control over will help you move towards better health by working with what you have and starting with what you know.
Understanding the Social Determinants of Health through the provided self-evaluation questions gives us a holistic framework for tackling health disparities and promoting health equity. SDoH calls for a comprehensive approach beyond the medical realm, addressing the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors influencing our well-being.
By addressing systemic barriers, promoting equitable policies, and fostering collaborative efforts across sectors, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. This is what we can all do to influence our focus on control.
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