What are Social Determinants of Health?

As healthcare cost continue to rise. It is important for the healthcare industry to get comprehensive data on the conditions in local communities. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are those conditions that impact where a person lives and the impact that environment has on an individual and population.

Examples of Social Determinants of Health include factors such as education, healthcare and access, economic stability, neighborhood and social and community engagement. All of these factors can have various impacts on community health. With better insights into local community SDOH factors, health outcomes can be improved for individuals and overall population health as well as reduce health disparities.

While the direct impact of social determinants of health are not always obvious. Understanding the environment and social aspects where people live is important to improving patient health and decreasing medical spend.

Education and health literacy are core elements to improved lifetime health. Education leads to increase job opportunities and higher wages along with company sponsored healthcare options. Having the ability to see doctors when necessary with good insurance reduces long term health issues when properly used. If people do not know when to see a doctor or what conditions could be silently impacting them. Then their overall health will be negatively impacted regardless of other conditions.

The graphic below lists the common core determinants of health and groups lower level conditions into 5 Social Determinants of Health also called 5 determinants of health.

What are the five social determinants of health (also called five categories of sdoh) ?

Learn More – CDC

Learn More – KFF

5 Social Determinants of Health

The social determinants of health (SDOH) refer to the conditions and circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and how these factors impact their health. These determinants play a crucial role in influencing health outcomes and are essential to consider when aiming to improve overall well-being. Understanding and addressing social determinants can help create more equitable and effective health interventions. Here are some key social determinants of health and why they are important:

1. Economic Stability
Importance: Financial stability is linked to access to resources like nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare. People facing economic instability may struggle to afford healthcare, experience higher stress levels, and have limited access to education and job opportunities.
Improving Health: Policies that promote economic opportunities, affordable housing, and financial support can positively impact health outcomes.

2. Education
Importance: Education is linked to health behaviors, employment opportunities, and income levels. Higher education levels are associated with better health outcomes, as educated individuals tend to make healthier choices and have greater access to resources.
Improving Health: Investing in education systems and providing educational opportunities for all can contribute to better health outcomes.

3. Social and Community Context
Importance: Social support networks, community engagement, and social cohesion are crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Isolation and lack of social connections can contribute to poor health outcomes.
Improving Health: Promoting community programs, social integration, and supportive environments can enhance overall health and well-being.

4. Healthcare System
Importance: Access to quality healthcare services is a key determinant of health. Barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation, or culturally competent care can contribute to health disparities.
Improving Health: Implementing policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare, reducing barriers, and addressing healthcare disparities can lead to better health outcomes.

5. Neighborhood and Physical Environment
Importance: Environmental factors, such as air and water quality, access to green spaces, and the availability of healthy food options, can impact health. Living in unsafe or impoverished neighborhoods can contribute to stress and poor health.
Improving Health: Urban planning, environmental policies, and community development initiatives can create healthier physical environments.

Another important aspect to consider it Cultural Factors:

Importance: Cultural beliefs and practices influence health behaviors and healthcare utilization. Understanding and respecting cultural diversity is essential for effective health interventions.
Improving Health: Implementing culturally competent healthcare practices and promoting cultural understanding can enhance health outcomes among diverse populations.

Addressing these social determinants requires a multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare, education, housing, employment, and community development. By recognizing and addressing these factors, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities can work together to create more equitable and effective strategies to improve health outcomes for everyone.

5 Social Determinants of Health Conditions

Education SDOH Conditions

Healthcare and Access to Care SDOH Conditions

Economic Stability SDOH Conditions

Neighborhood SDOH Conditions

Social and Community SDOH Conditions

Understanding Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health data is widespread and hard to collect and manage. Healthcare organizations have a wealth of information on their members or patients and the conditions that they have. Combining the data from an organization with external SDOH data can help you understand and improve overall population health.

In order to improve health equity. You need to interpret the data for a local community and what specific issues does that area need to help improve healthcare. The more detailed the information in a geographical area the better you will be able to target your outreach. What are social determinants of health?

The more insights you can gain on your member or patients regarding their determinants of health the more targeted approach you can deliver. Healthcare organizations need to identify local social services that can help improve their population by decreasing health disparities.