Amelia Roses (UNC20215678)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
ASSIGNMENT SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
1. Briefly explain what the term "Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)"
refers to.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the social and economic
conditions that shape the environment in which people are born, live, learn,
work, play, worship, and age. These conditions significantly impact
individual and community health outcomes.
2. List and provide examples of some key SDOH factors that impact
individual and community health.
a. Income and social protection: Low income, lack of social security,
and financial instability can limit access to healthcare, healthy food,
and safe housing, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases,
mental health issues, and infectious diseases.
b. Education: Limited access to quality education can restrict
opportunities for employment, healthy living, and health literacy,
leading to poorer health outcomes.
c. Housing: Unsafe, overcrowded, or inadequate housing can
contribute to respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and the
spread of infectious diseases.
d. Food insecurity: Lack of access to nutritious food can lead to
malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases.
e. Healthcare access: Limited access to quality healthcare services can
lead to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health
outcomes.
f. Social support: Strong social connections and networks can provide
emotional support, resources, and a sense of belonging, contributing
to better mental and physical health. 3. How can SDOH influence a person's health status?
SDOH can influence a person's health status in several ways:
a. Directly: For example, low income may limit access to healthy
food, leading to malnutrition.
b. Indirectly: SDOH factors can interact with each other and create a
cycle of disadvantage. For example, poor housing may contribute to
respiratory illnesses, which can then limit a person's ability to work
or attend school, further impacting their income and overall health.
4. Discuss how healthcare professionals can play a role in addressing the
negative impacts of SDOH on community health.
Healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in addressing the
negative impacts of SDOH on community health by:
a. Screening for SDOH: Identifying patients' social and economic
needs through questionnaires or conversations.
b. Connecting patients to resources: Referring patients to social
services, food banks, housing assistance programs, and other
community resources.
c. Advocating for policy change: Supporting policies that address
SDOH, such as increasing access to affordable housing, improving
food security, and expanding healthcare access.
d. Educating patients and communities: Providing information about
SDOH and how they impact health, empowering individuals and
communities to make healthy choices and advocate for change.
5. In your opinion, what are some strategies that could be implemented to
reduce health disparities caused by SDOH?
a. Investing in early childhood development: Providing high-quality
education and support systems for children from disadvantaged
backgrounds can improve their long-term health outcomes.
b. Addressing income inequality: Policies that promote fair wages,
access to affordable housing, and social safety nets can reduce the
negative health impacts of poverty. c. Improving access to healthcare: Expanding health insurance
coverage, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing geographic
disparities in healthcare access can improve health outcomes for all.
d. Promoting healthy communities: Investing in safe and affordable
housing, healthy food initiatives, and community-based programs
that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles can create
healthier environments for everyone.
Social Determinants Of Health
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