According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, as well as the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. Medical care itself only accounts for 10-20% of the contributors to people's health outcomes, while social determinants of health play a much bigger role, making up 80-90% of the contributing factors.
Social determinants of health fall into five broad groups: healthcare, economic stability, education, social and community life, and neighborhood. The factors within each group are interwoven and often related to each other.
Access to quality healthcare is a significant factor in social determinants of health. In the United States, around 1 in 10 people live without health insurance, meaning they may not have access to a primary healthcare professional or the money to make vital purchases for their health, such as medications or tests. Clinics could offer remote appointments where possible to improve healthcare access. The Healthy People 2030 campaign aims to reduce wait times in emergency departments, increase lung cancer screenings, and increase community services that can provide health screenings.
Economic stability is also vital to affording lifestyle choices and paying for quality medical care that keeps people healthy. A well-paying, steady job is critical for food security and housing stability, while savings are essential for managing chronic conditions or emergencies. However, 1 in 10 people in the United States live in poverty, and those in steady work may not earn enough to gain access to good quality healthcare. Chronic conditions or disabilities may put people at an even greater disadvantage.
Studies have shown wide gaps in health outcomes between countries and communities that have different social determinants of health. People living in high-income countries have a life expectancy that is 19 years higher than that of people living in low-income countries.
Improving social determinants of health is crucial for achieving health equity. One way to do this is by addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities. This includes policies that promote affordable housing, access to healthy foods, and quality education. Investing in public transportation, community development, and crime prevention can also improve health outcomes.
Overall, social determinants of health play a critical role in shaping healthcare outcomes. Addressing these factors is crucial for achieving health equity and promoting overall wellbeing.
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