Social Determinants of Health

• what are social determinants of health (SDOH)?


  the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks
• Economic Stability


  influences health outcomes through factors like employment, income, expenses, debt, medical bills and support
• Education Access and Quality


  Education level impacts health outcomes through literacy, language, vocational training, and higher education
• Healthcare Access and Quality


  Healthcare access and quality affect health outcomes through the availability of primary care, health insurance, and living in areas underserved by medical professionals
• Neighbourhood and Built Environment


  These include factors like housing, access to healthy foods, local air and water quality, and access to spaces for physical activity
• Social and Community context

  This encompasses social integration, support systems, community engagement, discrimination, and stress
• Examples of SDOH impact

  individuals living in areas with poor access to healthy food options are more likely to have diet-related health issues, like obesity or heart disease
• Food insecurity


  food insecurity, or the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, can lead to malnutrition, undernutrition, or obesity due to the lower quality of accessible foods
• Transportation

  access to reliable transportation affects the ability to reach healthcare services, employment, education, and healthy food, impacting overall health
• social inclusion and non-discrimination


  experiencing social inclusion and the absence of discrimination can improve mental and physical health by reducing stressors related to social isolation and marginalization
• Environmental Conditions


  Conditions such as pollution, the presence of toxins, and climate change impact health through air quality, water quality, and the risk of health conditions like asthma.
• Access to Safe Housing

  Safe, affordable, and stable housing protects from environmental hazards, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being
• Early Childhood Development and Education


  Early experiences and education shape long-term health, development, and well-being by providing the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health
• Work Conditions


  Conditions of employment, job security, workplace safety, and work-life balance affect physical and mental health
• Income and Social Protection

  Higher income and social protection (like unemployment insurance, disability benefits) lead to better health outcomes by reducing financial stress and increasing access to healthcare and life necessities