Social Determinants of Health
Health Impact Pyramid
Health Disparities
Public Health Determinants
Case Studies
100

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.

100

What is the primary focus at the base of the Health Impact Pyramid?
 

Addressing socioeconomic factors like poverty and education.

100

What is a health disparity?

 A difference in health outcomes that is closely linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages.

100

What percentage of health outcomes is determined by medical care according to the model?
 

About 25%.

100

What health condition was Maria diagnosed with in the first case study?

 Type 2 diabetes.

200

How do social determinants affect health outcomes?

They influence health behaviors, environmental exposures, access to quality healthcare, and can lead to health disparities.

200

 Which layer involves interventions like vaccinations?

 Long-lasting protective interventions.

200


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.

200

Name one health behavior that influences health outcomes.
 

Smoking.

200

How does Jamal’s environment affect his asthma?
 

High levels of air pollution from nearby factories worsen his asthma.

300

Name one modifiable and one non-modifiable determinant of health.

Modifiable: Diet; Non-modifiable: Age.

300

What increases as you move up the Health Impact Pyramid?
 

The amount of individual effort required.

300

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.

300

Which determinant includes factors like discrimination and access to education?
 

Social or societal characteristics.

300

What impact does Sarah’s school environment have on her mental health?
 

She feels isolated and anxious, which affects her academic performance.

400

What kind of communities face the worst health outcomes?

Low-income communities with limited access to healthcare, education, and healthy food options.

400

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.

400

True or False: Social factors are responsible for as many deaths as medical causes.

 True.

400

What role do genes and biology play in health outcomes?
 

They determine factors like genetic makeup, age, and biological predispositions.

400

What could improve Maria’s health outcomes?

 Access to healthy food, diabetes education, and better working conditions.

500

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.

500

Why is changing socioeconomic factors considered the most impactful on the pyramid?
 

Because it addresses root causes and creates broad, lasting improvements in health.

500

What is one key factor contributing to health disparities among minority groups?
 

Limited access to healthcare and healthy food options.

500

List the four main categories of determinants of health.
 

Genes and biology, health behaviors, medical care, and social/societal characteristics.

500

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.