What do social determinants of health encompass?

Social determinants of health refer to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, which can all affect health outcomes. This includes a wide range of factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare. Understanding these determinants is critical as they often have a more profound impact on health outcomes than individual behaviors or genetics.

Living and working environments play a significant role in shaping health because they can determine access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and other essential resources. When evaluating health disparities, recognizing the importance of these environmental factors provides insight into why certain populations may experience poorer health outcomes than others. Addressing these social determinants can lead to improved health and well-being among communities.