Income and Social Status
- Income and social hierarchy determine the health status
- High income; safe housing, quality medical care (Comers, 2013)
- Low income; poor health care, housing, food
- Prosperity promotes human wellbeing (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Low social status; inadequate resources (Comers, 2013)
- High social status; adequate resources
Social Support Networks
- Support from families and friends improves health (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Necessary in dealing with adversity and tough situations
- Great sense of satisfaction and well-being (Comers, 2013)
- Respect and love enhances general well-being
- The feeling of being cared for and loved (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Enhances stress management and emotional wellness (Comers, 2013)
Education
- Health status dependent on the level of education (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Education determines the financial and socioeconomic status
- Quality education brings prosperity (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Illiteracy; poverty, and high rates of unemployment
- Education guarantees steady income and a quality lifestyle
- Income facilitates access to quality health care (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
Employment and Working Conditions
- Unemployment and underemployment; poor health outcomes
- Unsafe working conditions; poor health (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Safe working environments; positive health outcomes
- Fulfilling work promotes mental and physical well-being (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Employment gives purpose and innumerable opportunities
- Professional and personal development improve health status
Social Environments
- Strong social networks in families and communities (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Attachments among people and sharing of resources
- Societal values and norms influence relationships (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005)
- Social stability and recognition of diversity improve health (Comers, 2013)
- Supportive communities provide numerous health benefits
- Personal safety and relationships based on trust
Physical Environments
- Clean physical environments promote health status
- Contaminants in air and water cause diseases (“Determinants of health,” 2011). Physical well-being determined by proper housing
- Clean air and water are important (“Determinants of health,” 2011)Respiratory diseases prevalent in contaminated environments (Comers, 2013)
- Contaminated environments; birth defects and cancer prevalent (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
Personal Health Practices
- Prevention of diseases and self-care promotion
- Develop self-reliance and coping skills against stress (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Choices that promote positive health outcomes
- Drinking adequate water and eating nutritious food (Comers, 2013)
- Avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
- Healthy lifestyles and development of problem-solving skills (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
Healthy Child Development
- Early child development determines health in adulthood
- Optimal brain development in childhood is critical (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Housing, family income, and environment affect development (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Access to nutritious food and medical care
- Positive stimulation important for proper development (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Proper and responsible parenting during childhood
Biology and Genetic Make-Up
- Genetic make-up determines predisposition to diseases
- Certain health problems prevalent among men/women
- Inherited qualities determine response to health challenges (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Cancer, Down syndrome, and Hemophilia are genetic
- Genetic endowment increases the risk of certain diseases (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Genetic make-up has positive and negative outcomes
Health Services
- Promote and maintain health, and prevent diseases
- Restore health and optimal human function
- Access to health services influences health status (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Encompasses treatment modalities and disease-prevention strategies
- Barriers; high cost, unavailability, and language challenges (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Prevent hospitalizations and provide appropriate care
Gender
- Gender roles, values, and traits are critical
- Gender-based social status influences health (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Women live longer than men
- Women more prone to depression and arthritis (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Physical and sexual violence is gender-based
- Gender influences health systems’ practices
Culture
- Dominant cultural values affect health status
- Marginalization and stigmatization are culture-based (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Limited access to culturally suitable medical services
- Some cultures alienate women and children
- Cultural values determine the socio-economic environment (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Chronic diseases prevalent among certain cultures
Policymaking
- Local and national policies affect population health
- Taxes on certain products can enhance health
- Certain policies promote changes in individual behavior (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Government plays a key role in policymaking
- Increase access to health care services (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Access to proper housing and proper nutrition
Individual Behavior
- Plays a key role in health outcomes
- Avoidance of substance abuse and immoral behavior (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Physical activity and proper diet (“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- A positive lifestyle reduces the prevalence of diseases
- Willingness to make healthy and responsible decisions ((“Determinants of health,” 2011)
- Maintaining proper hygiene; food, housing, clothing
Several Determinants
- Each factor affects health in a distinct way.
- Several determinants usually occur in association.
- Attainment of health and well-being is difficult
- Poverty, ignorance, and unemployment are prevalent
- Lack of insurance, oppressive cultural norms
- Weal health care systems, expensive medical care
References
Comers, M. J. (2013). Determinants of health; Theory, understanding, portrayal, policy. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
Determinants of health. (2011). Web.
Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. (2005). Social determinants of health. Oxford, England: OUP Oxford.