Social determinants of health
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (IPA: /ˈsoʊʃəl dɪˈtɜːrmɪnənts ɒv hɛlθ/) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels.
Etymology
The term "social determinants of health" was first used in the 1970s and has since been widely adopted in health literature. The term "determinant" is derived from the Latin determinare, meaning "to limit or define". The term "social" is derived from the Latin socius, meaning "companion". The term "health" is derived from the Old English hǣlth, meaning "wholeness, a being whole, sound or well".
Definition
The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health as the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. It is a complex, integrated, and overlapping social structures and economic systems that are responsible for most health inequities.
Key Concepts
- Income and Social Status: Higher income and social status are linked to better health. The greater the gap between the richest and poorest people, the greater the differences in health.
- Education: Low education levels are linked with poor health, more stress and lower self-confidence.
- Physical Environment: Safe water and clean air, healthy workplaces, safe houses, communities and roads all contribute to good health.
- Employment and Working Conditions: People in employment are healthier, particularly those who have more control over their working conditions.
- Social Support Networks: Greater support from families, friends and communities is linked to better health.
- Culture: Customs and traditions, and the beliefs of the family and community all affect health.
- Gender: Men and women suffer from different types of diseases at different ages.
Related Terms
- Health Equity: Health equity refers to the study and causes of differences in the quality of health and healthcare across different populations.
- Health Disparities: Health disparities are types of unfair health differences closely linked with social, economic, or environmental disadvantages that adversely affect groups of people.
- Public Health: Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.
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