What are the social determinants of health?
The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that can influence their health outcomes.
These determinants are related to an individual's social and economic circumstances and can include:
- Socioeconomic status: This includes income, education, occupation, and social class.
- Social support: This includes access to social networks and resources that provide emotional, financial, or material support.
- Neighbourhood and built environment: This includes access to healthy food options, green spaces, safe housing, and transportation.
- Health behaviours: This includes lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, and tobacco and alcohol use.
- Access to healthcare: This includes access to quality healthcare services, including preventive care, screening, and treatment.
- Discrimination and social inequalities: This includes experiences of discrimination, racism, and social exclusion, which can have a negative impact on an individual's mental and physical health.
- Social and community context: This includes community engagement, civic participation, and social cohesion.
These social determinants can have a significant impact on an individual's health and well-being and can lead to health inequities and disparities.
