Beyond Medicine Understanding the Impact of Social Determinants of Health

1. Beyond Medicine: Understanding the Impact of Social Determinants of Health The Healthcare concept extends far beyond diseases and treatment. It includes an understanding of well-being and personal care, factors that influence well-being are social, economic, and environmental. All these elements are collectively known as social determinants of health (SDOH) and they play an important role in individuals health and well-being. Commonly, people go to the hospital when suffering from any kind of disease but major health issues are caused due to lifestyle, environment, surroundings, food, and other factors. People must notice all these factors to prevent from diseses and be healthier. During the last few decades, the public health community has been focusing more on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). In this article, we discuss what are social determinants or factors and their impact on health. Understanding What Are Social Determinants of Health Social determinants of health refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and the broader set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. They are the non-medical factors that contribute the our well-being. These determinants include factors such as socioeconomic status, education, wealth, income, employment, housing, access to healthcare, social support networks, and environmental conditions. The World Health Organization's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has defined SDH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and “the fundamental drivers of these conditions.” Though genetics and individual behaviors are also responsible for health outcomes, research has shown the impact of social determinants on population health disparities. Socioeconomic Status The most recognized social determinant of health is socioeconomic status (SES), which encompasses income, education, and wealth. People with higher Socioeconomic Status usually have better access to healthcare facilities and resources to maintain their well-being. Conversely, people with lower SES often face issues

2. with accessibility to health facilities due to a lack of finances which results in poor health outcomes. Education Education is a fundamental social determinant that influences health outcomes in multiple ways. Educated people are associated with better health literacy and can make helpful decisions related to their health. Moreover, education is linked to higher income levels and employment which in turn impact access to healthcare, nutrition, and other essential resources for better health outcomes. Healthcare Accessibility Access to healthcare services is an essential social determinant that can significantly influence health outcomes. The factors include healthcare facilities, health insurance, and affordability of care. All these factors directly determine whether an individual can receive facilities for preventive care, treatment for deadly diseases, and medicines. Disparities in access to healthcare services specifically for marginalized communities contribute to inequalities in health outcomes. Housing and Environment The quality of housing and surroundings also play an important role in shaping an individual's health outcomes. Substandard overcrowding, poor ventilation, and exposure to environmental toxins, will affect health and cause respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health problems. Apart from the surrounding lack of cleanliness neighborhoods with limited recreational facilities and safe outdoor spaces can increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health and in turn affect people's health. housing conditions, such as Conclusion In conclusion, recognizing the importance of social determinants of health, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and increasingly adopting strategies to mitigate the impact of these factors on population health. Addressing social determinants requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional medical interventions to tackle the underlying social, economic, community stakeholders are

3. and environmental factors that shape health disparities. Hence social determinants also play an equal role as medical factors in shaping the health outcomes and well- being of a person.