Social Determinants of Health
What are the social determinants of health?
Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, including factors like income, education, and access to healthcare.
What is the primary focus at the base of the Health Impact Pyramid?
Addressing socioeconomic factors like poverty and education.
What is a health disparity?
A difference in health outcomes that is closely linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages.
What percentage of health outcomes is determined by medical care according to the model?
About 25%.
What health condition was Maria diagnosed with in the first case study?
Type 2 diabetes.
How do social determinants affect health outcomes?
They influence health behaviors, environmental exposures, access to quality healthcare, and can lead to health disparities.
Which layer involves interventions like vaccinations?
Long-lasting protective interventions.
What is a common health disparity affecting minority communities in the U.S.?
Higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease compared to white communities.
Name one health behavior that influences health outcomes.
Smoking.
How does Jamal’s environment affect his asthma?
High levels of air pollution from nearby factories worsen his asthma.
Name one modifiable and one non-modifiable determinant of health.
Modifiable: Diet; Non-modifiable: Age.
What increases as you move up the Health Impact Pyramid?
The amount of individual effort required.
How does income inequality impact health?
It leads to worse health outcomes as those in lower-income groups have less access to resources that promote health.
Which determinant includes factors like discrimination and access to education?
Social or societal characteristics.
What impact does Sarah’s school environment have on her mental health?
She feels isolated and anxious, which affects her academic performance.
What kind of communities face the worst health outcomes?
Low-income communities with limited access to healthcare, education, and healthy food options.
Give an example of an intervention that changes the context to make healthy choices easier.
Laws requiring seat belt use or smoking bans in public places.
True or False: Social factors are responsible for as many deaths as medical causes.
True.
What role do genes and biology play in health outcomes?
They determine factors like genetic makeup, age, and biological predispositions.
What could improve Maria’s health outcomes?
Access to healthy food, diabetes education, and better working conditions.
How do environmental factors contribute to poor health outcomes?
They include exposure to toxins, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, and pollution, which can worsen health conditions like asthma.
Why is changing socioeconomic factors considered the most impactful on the pyramid?
Because it addresses root causes and creates broad, lasting improvements in health.
What is one key factor contributing to health disparities among minority groups?
Limited access to healthcare and healthy food options.
List the four main categories of determinants of health.
Genes and biology, health behaviors, medical care, and social/societal characteristics.
What is one solution communities can implement to improve air quality, as seen in Jamal’s case study?
Reducing industrial emissions and implementing green spaces.