Deck 3: Social Determinants of Health: Their Influence on Personal Choice, Environmental Exposures, and Health Care

Question 1

Why are social determinants of health prime mediums for population-based health improvements?

Answer 1

Social determinants of health are by definition social factors that are modifiable. Thus through carefully planned action, they can readily improve the health status of communities and populations.

Question 2

In what manner are health disparities related to social factors?

Answer 2

Social factors that affect health include education, income, race/ethnicity, homelessness, food insecurity, and access to health care. All of these actively influence an individual's environment and personal choices, which subsequently affects his or her health. However, these social factors are not of equal quality or of equal distribution throughout society, thus perpetuating health inequalities.

Question 3

Name the two broad categories of factors that influence health and explain what each entails.

Answer 3

Modifiable and non-modifiable factors influence health. Non-modifiable factors include a person's age, gender, race, and genotype. Modifiable factors include personal choices and behaviors (such as diet, physical activity, and tobacco, drug, and alcohol use), environmental factors (such as environmental toxins or unsafe working conditions), and the availability and quality of health care.