What are social health determinants?
Social health determinants are factors that influence the health of a population or individual, as well as medical and genetic care. They are responsible for much of the health inequalities between different social groups.
What are the main social determinants of health?
There are several social determinants of health, which can be divided into different categories:
Socioeconomic Factors:
- Income
- Education
- Occupation
- Access to health services
Physical Environment:
- Air quality
- Access to drinking water
- Food Security
- housing conditions
Lifestyle:
- Food
- Physical activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol Consumption
Social Support Network:
- Family Relations
- Friendships
- Community participation
How do social health determinants affect the population?
Social health determinants have a significant impact on the health of the population. For example, people with lower income and less access to health services are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In addition, precarious housing conditions and lack of access to drinking water can lead to infectious diseases.
Social health determinants also contribute to health inequalities. More vulnerable social groups, such as low -income people and ethnic minorities, usually face further challenges compared to social health determinants, which results in worse health results.
What can be done to reduce health inequalities?
To reduce health inequalities, it is necessary to address social health determinants comprehensively. This includes policies aimed at improving access to health services, promoting education and equal opportunities, ensuring adequate housing conditions and promoting healthy lifestyles.
In addition, it is important to promote health equity, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to achieve good health, regardless of their socioeconomic origin or social group.
In short, social health determinants play a key role in the health of the population. To improve health and reduce inequalities, it is necessary to approach these determinants comprehensively and promote health equity.