What are the social determinants of health (SDOH) and why do they matter?? Many of us may not be fully aware of these terms and this topic, but this is something each of us should be aware of, as they are critical in determining our health and the health of those around us. The CDC and the World Health Organization have emphasized that SDOH are the factors which greatly impact health outcomes. “They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, racism, climate change, and political systems.” The SDOH therefore have a significant and critical impact on health and are crucial in determining the health outcomes for our society. Ultimately, these factors play a key role in the success and well-being of our communities.
SDOH can be divided into the following broad categories: Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context, as determined by the US Department of Health and Human Services who has launched “Healthy People 2023.” This initiative “sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade.” These are the goals and objectives that have been outlined and identified as important measures to follow to improve the social determinants in these major categories.
1. Economic Stability
While it may not be prevalent in our immediate communities, in the US, it is estimated that 10% live in poverty, with insufficient income to afford the basics such as food, rent, and clothing- things many of us take for granted. Objectives in the category of economic stability are aimed at improving income for people so that they can afford these basics. Goals include things like improving the numbers of
adolescents who are unemployed or not in school, reducing poverty, increasing the rate of employment, and reducing hunger and food insecurity.
2. Education Access and Quality
Access to excellent schools and teachers is something that we may take for granted here in Mountain Lakes, where we have outstanding schools and most people headed to college. However, this is not something that everyone can take for granted. Education matters, since we know that people with more and better-quality education have improved health overall, better jobs, and longer life expectancies. Goals in this category include improving educational opportunities and supporting children and young adults in achieving academic success. Some of the objectives in this category include improving the proportion of high school students who graduate in four years and increasing the proportion of high school graduates matriculated in school after graduating.
3. Healthcare Access and Quality
In our area, we have numerous top doctors and hospitals within close proximity, but again, this is not something everyone can take for granted. Access to affordable, quality healthcare is critical in maintaining optimal health but many lack the ability to see a doctor for routine care or for emergencies. Part of the problem is related to the lack of health insurance; it is estimated that 10% of Americans lack health insurance, causing obstacles in obtaining appropriate care. Goals to improve healthcare include things such as reducing the proportion of emergency room visits with excessive wait times, increasing the proportion of adults who get preventive health care, which includes increasing the proportion of people who get cancer screenings. Preventive health services are important in minimizing the chances of developing more severe and life-threatening conditions such as cancer and strokes.
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment
Our community is often highlighted as one of the best places to live anywhere, even in the country. We have ready access to clear air, water, and have limitless access to parks, fields, and even lakes. Where one lives, attends school, works, and enjoys recreation has significant impacts on their long term development, and overall health. To that end, goals include making one’s immediate environment a safer and healthier one. Objectives include reducing violent crimes committed by minors and young adults, reducing toxic pollutants in the environment, and increasing smoke-free homes.
5. Social and Community Context
It is known that healthy relationships, both within families and outside of them, can have major impacts on overall health and well being. Objectives including reducing depression and anxiety in family members caring for people with disabilities, reducing the proportion of children with a parent/guardian who has been imprisoned, increasing the numbers of voting citizens, and increasing the number of families who read to their children a minimum of four days weekly.
The SDOH are the critical determinants that can tremendously influence and transform an individual’s health and well being. We should all become familiar with what they are and how we can work to improve them for everyone in society. The SDOH can be categorized into the broad categories of Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context. Continuous efforts by the local and national governments are underway to improve these factors in an effort to make our communities healthier and more successful. As citizens and students, we should also be aware of the SDOH and champion these causes. This is important in to ensure that everyone has access to optimal resources in order to flourish and thrive.
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