Social determinants of health refer to the environment and conditions that directly affect the birth, growth, work, livelihood, and aging of groups or individuals. These factors are predominantly influenced by the distribution of wealth, money, resources, and power from the local to the global level (RNAO, n.d. ). The national approach and nature of the distribution of these factors are often indicative of disparities in social determinants of health.
As such, income levels and social statuses within a society become deeply relevant in regards to health accessibility and wellbeing. Unequal wealth distribution occurs as a result of many marginalized groups lacking access to generational wealth or adequate education. This results in lower income and large disparities on a national or even local level in regards to healthcare access and overall community health (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). Social status is equally influential, as individuals or groups with more socio-political influence are more likely to be successful within the workplace and other dimensions of society that are connected to health and welfare. Similarly, a higher social standing is often reflective of individuals being more informed in regard to maintaining one’s health and accessibility to healthcare procedures, interventions, and information.
This information is incredibly relevant in understanding how social determinants of health result in large disparities in community health on a national or even global level. They are able to illustrate that the core issue of the inability to maintain good health among marginalized groups is inaccessibility, a lack of sociopolitical influence, and the biases of the healthcare system. Addressing the underlying issues of the social determinants is the vital initial step in attempting to decrease the disparities between those that are able to acquire adequate health care and those that cannot.
References
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Social determinants of health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
RNAO. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. RNAO. Web.