Examples Of Social Determinants Of Health

“What is the definition of health?” When I was first asked this question at the start of the semester, my initial thoughts jumped to a more direct answer that encompassed a person’s physical and mental health; observations of weight, musculature, neural defects, acumen, and mental clarity were some of the gauges I considered in determining a person’s measure of health. While I do not consider this definition wrong by any means, the defining of a person’s health should not cease on the surface level, for a far greater understanding arises when it is viewed at the roots. Concepts such as the Social Determinants of Health, change theories, and growth and development theories are some of many models a nurse can embrace in order to understand
Beyond lifestyle choices are numerous uncontrollable factors that influence how healthy a person will be in his or her life, such as how people were raised, the environment they grew up in, and the opportunities that they were presented in life. These uncontrollable aspects can be categorized through the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), which is a model that recognises that the main factors in shaping a person’s health is their experiences within their living environments, and consists of fifteen determinants, which are the following listed:
Social Determinants of Health
1. Stress, Bodies, and Illness Prolonged stress can negatively impact an individuals hormonal, metabolic, and immune systems, which leaves them more susceptible to illness, disease, and unfavorable coping mechanisms.
2. Income and Income Distribution Income impacts almost all facets of life. Necessities like food and shelter, superior education and growing opportunities, and less stress from more leisurely activities and savings are associated with a higher income.
3. Education Provides a greater foundation in life while growing up, and provides greater financial opportunities through post-secondary