What are the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)?

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, as well as the broader set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These factors include social, economic, and physical environments that can significantly influence health outcomes and quality of life. For example, access to education, employment opportunities, safe housing, and transportation all play crucial roles in shaping health and wellness in a community.

Understanding SDOH is essential because they highlight the importance of social structures and policies in promoting health or contributing to health disparities. By addressing these determinants, public health professionals can work more effectively to improve population health and reduce inequities.

Other options focus on different aspects of health. Biological factors, while influential, are more related to individual health status rather than the social context. Healthcare policies certainly impact access to services, but they don't encompass the broader living conditions and environments that define SDOH. Health behaviors are important but are often influenced by the social determinants themselves, showing the interconnectedness of various health influences.