{"id":1413,"date":"2023-10-12T16:26:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T16:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1413"},"modified":"2025-10-15T14:49:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T22:49:07","slug":"what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#What_are_the_Social_Determinants_of_Health\" >What are the Social Determinants of Health?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Social_and_Community_Context\" >Social and Community Context<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Economic_Stability\" >Economic Stability<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Income_and_Social_Protection\" >Income and Social Protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Unemployment_and_Job_Insecurity\" >Unemployment and Job Insecurity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Working_Life_Conditions\" >Working Life Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Food_Insecurity\" >Food Insecurity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Education_Access_and_Quality\" >Education Access and Quality<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Early_Childhood_Development\" >Early Childhood Development<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Health_Care_Access_and_Quality\" >Health Care Access and Quality&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Neighborhood_and_Built_Environment\" >Neighborhood and Built Environment&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Housing_Basic_Amenities_and_the_Environment\" >Housing, Basic Amenities, and the Environment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Social_and_Community_Context-2\" >Social and Community Context<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Social_Inclusion_and_Non-Discrimination\" >Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Structural_Conflict\" >Structural Conflict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Glossary_of_Terms\" >Glossary of Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Additional_Reading\" >Additional Reading<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#Reviewers\" >Reviewers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\/#References_Resources\" >References &amp; Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>We\u2019re discussing the <strong>Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)<\/strong>, which help us recognize and reduce <strong>health disparities<\/strong>, promote <strong>health equity<\/strong>, and enhance overall <strong>well-being<\/strong> for us all. Take a moment to learn more and consider how these factors have affected your life and the lives of those around you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family we&#8217;re born into, the neighborhoods we grow up in, the places we work, and where we eventually settle down all have a profound influence on our daily lives and, crucially, our overall <strong>health and well-being<\/strong>. These vital influences, known as the <strong>social determinants of health (SDOH)<\/strong>, provide a framework to understand how we access <strong>resources<\/strong> and how that level of access shapes our everyday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>SDOH<\/strong> play a pivotal role in shaping our <strong>health<\/strong> and the <strong>healthcare system&#8217;s performance<\/strong> since our systems are a reflection of our society. Each of us faces a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/08\/22\/what-is-intersectional-healthcare-and-why-is-it-important\">unique combination of factors<\/a><\/strong> that affect our <strong>health and well-being<\/strong>; some enjoy a wide array of <strong>resources<\/strong>, while others face severe limitations or none at all. As a result of these fluctuations in <strong>resource access<\/strong>, there are observable <strong>inequities<\/strong> for both individuals and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s dive into <strong>SDOH<\/strong> and discuss what they entail, how they shape our lives, and why they matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Social_Determinants_of_Health\"><\/span>What are the Social Determinants of Health?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>SDOH<\/strong>, as defined by the <strong>World Health Organization (WHO)<\/strong>, are &#8220;the non-medical factors that influence <strong>health outcomes<\/strong>.&#8221; These encompass a wide range of factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Economic Stability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Income and social protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unemployment and job insecurity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working life conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food insecurity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education Access and Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early childhood development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health Care Access and Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Neighborhood and Built Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Housing, basic amenities, and the environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_and_Community_Context\"><\/span>Social and Community Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social inclusion <\/strong>and <strong>non-discrimination<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structural conflict<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>SDOH<\/strong> are more critical than ever because they create a framework for us to understand and address <strong>health disparities<\/strong> while championing policies that promote <strong>equity<\/strong>. They underscore the need for <strong>healthcare systems<\/strong> to acknowledge the far-reaching impact of <strong>social<\/strong> and <strong>economic factors<\/strong> on <strong>health outcomes<\/strong>. Remarkably, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/sdoh\/addressing-sdoh.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>SDOH <\/strong>have an even greater influence on <strong>health <\/strong>than <strong>genetic factors<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(e.g., <strong>poverty<\/strong> is strongly associated with adverse <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> and an increased risk of <strong>premature mortality<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/WHO-IER-CSDH-08.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Integrated into <strong>healthcare policy<\/strong> <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/WHO-IER-CSDH-08.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discussions<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in the early 2000s, the <strong>SDOH<\/strong> emphasizes the need for a <strong>holistic approach to health<\/strong> that goes beyond treating an illness to addressing the root causes of <strong>disparities<\/strong>. As we recognize and tackle these factors, we move closer to achieving <strong>health equity<\/strong> and better <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> for all. This idea is crucial since it can transform <strong>healthcare<\/strong>, update and improve <strong>policies<\/strong>, and create a healthier, more <strong>equitable future<\/strong> for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, let\u2019s take a deeper look at the individual categories that influence <strong>health outcomes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103650.965.png\" alt=\"A bunch of money held together with a measuring tape to represent budgeting.\" class=\"wp-image-1420\" style=\"width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103650.965.png 684w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103650.965.png?resize=300,253 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Economic_Stability\"><\/span>Economic Stability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being financially stable is essential to everyone\u2019s <strong>well-being<\/strong>. It includes factors like a regular <strong>income<\/strong>, a <strong>social safety net<\/strong> (known as <strong>social protection<\/strong>), <strong>job security<\/strong>, and <strong>working conditions<\/strong>. All of these factors significantly impact a person\u2019s <strong>health<\/strong>, affecting everything from their <strong>mental health<\/strong> to <strong>physical well-being<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several factors determine how <strong>economically stable<\/strong> a person or community is, with <strong>income<\/strong> and access to <strong>social protection<\/strong> identified as primary indicators. According to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/noncommunicable-diseases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WHO<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>vulnerable<\/strong> and <strong>socially disadvantaged people<\/strong> are getting sicker and dying sooner than those in more privileged social positions. This disparity primarily stems from an increased risk of exposure to harmful substances such as <strong>tobacco<\/strong>, inconsistent access to <strong>affordable, healthy food<\/strong> (due to lack of transportation and <strong>food deserts<\/strong>), and limited access to <strong>health services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Income_and_Social_Protection\"><\/span>Income and Social Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stable <strong>income<\/strong> and access to <strong>social protection<\/strong> is fundamental for maintaining good <strong>health<\/strong>; examples of such protections include policies and programs that provide financial, social, or legal safeguards in times of need or vulnerability. Sadly, due to <strong>disparities in access to resources<\/strong>, lower-income individuals often experience poorer <strong>health<\/strong> and shorter lifespans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the US, one of the wealthiest countries in the world,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/economic-stability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 in 10 people live in poverty<\/a>, and many can\u2019t afford healthy food, healthcare, and housing. Vulnerable populations \u2013 which include racial or ethnic minorities, children, the elderly, those who are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/05\/11\/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-family-nurse-practitioner\">socioeconomically disadvantaged<\/a>, underinsured individuals, or those with certain medical conditions \u2013 face even more significant health risks due to limited access to healthcare services, exposure to harmful products, or unhealthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the <strong>US<\/strong>, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, <strong>1 in 10 people live in poverty<\/strong>, and many can\u2019t afford <strong>healthy food<\/strong>, <strong>healthcare<\/strong>, and <strong>housing<\/strong>. <strong>Vulnerable populations<\/strong> \u2013 which include <strong>racial or ethnic minorities<\/strong>, children, the elderly, those who are <strong>socioeconomically disadvantaged<\/strong>, underinsured individuals, or those with certain medical conditions \u2013 face even more significant <strong>health risks<\/strong> due to limited access to <strong>healthcare services<\/strong>, exposure to harmful products, or unhealthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unemployment_and_Job_Insecurity\"><\/span>Unemployment and Job Insecurity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other critical factors in <strong>economic stability<\/strong> are access to <strong>employment<\/strong> and <strong>job security<\/strong> because they affect our ability to access and pay for <strong>healthcare<\/strong>, in addition to <strong>preventative measures<\/strong> like accessing a <strong>gym<\/strong> or eating a <strong>healthy diet<\/strong>. Being out of work or worrying about keeping your <strong>job<\/strong> can lead to serious <strong>health issues<\/strong> such as <strong>high blood pressure<\/strong>, increased risk of <strong>stroke<\/strong>, and a higher risk of <strong>heart disease<\/strong>, demonstrating how closely <strong>financial stability<\/strong> and <strong>health<\/strong> are connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12939-018-0773-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to researchers<\/a>, there\u2019s a clear relationship between <strong>unemployment<\/strong> and concurrent <strong>health problems<\/strong>, including <strong>mental health issues<\/strong> like <strong>anxiety<\/strong> and <strong>depression<\/strong>, along with <strong>physical health outcomes<\/strong>, such as <strong>high blood pressure<\/strong>, elevated <strong>cortisol levels<\/strong>, and <strong>early mortality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working_Life_Conditions\"><\/span>Working Life Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where we work is as important as what we do with regard to our <strong>health<\/strong>. <strong>Workplace hazards<\/strong>, long work hours, and <strong>job salary and satisfaction<\/strong> all play a key role in staying <strong>healthy<\/strong>. Exposure to harmful chemicals, use of large equipment, and spending time in <strong>high-stress environments<\/strong> significantly increase <strong>physical risk<\/strong>, while <strong>economic hardship<\/strong>, <strong>low pay<\/strong>, and <strong>unhappiness at work<\/strong> can lead to <strong>physical and mental health challenges<\/strong>. Addressing these factors through <strong>public health campaigns<\/strong> and updated <strong>labor policies<\/strong> is vital for improving the <strong>social determinants of health<\/strong> and fostering a healthier society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_Insecurity\"><\/span>Food Insecurity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re all taught as children that <strong>nutritious food<\/strong> is crucial for good <strong>health<\/strong>, yet so many people are unable to get regular access to that vital resource. <strong>Food insecurity<\/strong> refers to having limited or uncertain access to <strong>nutritious food<\/strong>, and it\u2019s strongly associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3649100\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>chronic illness<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and poorer overall <strong>health<\/strong>. Challenges with maintaining a steady <strong>income<\/strong> or regular <strong>job<\/strong> restrict access to <strong>fresh food<\/strong>, leading to significantly higher incidences of <strong>diabetes<\/strong>, <strong>high blood pressure<\/strong>, and <strong>heart disease<\/strong>. Increasing access to high-quality, <strong>nutritious food<\/strong> is vital to improving <strong>health and well-being<\/strong> for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"760\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a traditional school with a clock tower above the door and two trees in front.\" class=\"wp-image-1425\" style=\"width:357px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png 1909w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png?resize=300,223 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png?resize=768,570 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png?resize=1024,760 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T103914.959.png?resize=1536,1140 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Education_Access_and_Quality\"><\/span>Education Access and Quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studies indicate<\/a> that children who get a <strong>quality education<\/strong> and support during their early years experience better <strong>physical well-being<\/strong>, <strong>cognitive development<\/strong>, and <strong>emotional health<\/strong>. Research also demonstrates that <strong>early childhood development<\/strong> and education programs like <strong>Head Start<\/strong> play an important role in mitigating risky behaviors and preventing or postponing the onset of <strong>chronic conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Childhood_Development\"><\/span>Early Childhood Development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first five years of our lives create and impact long-term <strong>social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development<\/strong>. Various environmental and social factors \u2013 <strong>early life stress<\/strong>, <strong>socioeconomic status<\/strong>, the quality of relationships we have with <strong>parents and caregivers<\/strong>, and access to <strong>early educational programs<\/strong> \u2013 can either prevent or support development. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">children who enroll in <strong>low-quality schools<\/strong><\/a> with limited <strong>health resources<\/strong>, safety concerns, and low levels of <strong>teacher support<\/strong> are more prone to facing challenges related to their <strong>physical and mental health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When some children don\u2019t get the same opportunities for learning and development in their early years, it can lead to <strong>inequitable access<\/strong> to <strong>care<\/strong> and, ultimately, how healthy they are. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4435622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studies show<\/a> that adults with higher levels of <strong>education<\/strong> tend to live longer and <strong>healthier lives<\/strong>, and it all begins with our experiences in those first five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"516\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T104000.644.png?w=1024\" alt=\"An illustration of a hospital with a red cross on top of the building and trees out in front.\" class=\"wp-image-1426\" style=\"width:421px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T104000.644.png 1219w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T104000.644.png?resize=300,151 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T104000.644.png?resize=768,387 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T104000.644.png?resize=1024,516 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Health_Care_Access_and_Quality\"><\/span>Health Care Access and Quality&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing disparities related to <strong>health care access and quality<\/strong> is essential for achieving better <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> and improving the overall performance of the <strong>healthcare system<\/strong>. Despite major advances in <strong>medicine<\/strong> and <strong>public health<\/strong> during the past few decades, <strong>these disparities persist<\/strong>, particularly among <strong>racial and ethnic minority groups<\/strong> who are disproportionately at risk of being <strong>uninsured<\/strong>, lacking consistent access to <strong>care<\/strong>, and experiencing worse <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/tuberculosis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">preventable and treatable conditions<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More on this topic &gt;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/10\/11\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Be Prepared for the Future of Nursing: Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"959\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T110905.625.png?w=1024\" alt=\"A street at night with good lighting, which has been shown to improve safety for residential neighborhoods.\" class=\"wp-image-1445\" style=\"width:285px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T110905.625.png 1079w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T110905.625.png?resize=300,281 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T110905.625.png?resize=768,720 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T110905.625.png?resize=1024,959 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neighborhood_and_Built_Environment\"><\/span>Neighborhood and Built Environment&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where we live and the <strong>environment<\/strong> we live in can significantly impact our <strong>health<\/strong>, making safe, stable <strong>housing<\/strong> a fundamental determinant of <strong>health<\/strong>. <strong>Homelessness<\/strong> and inadequate <strong>housing<\/strong> can lead to <strong>mental health disorders<\/strong>, <strong>substance abuse<\/strong>, <strong>infectious diseases<\/strong>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1447157\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>chronic health conditions<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Housing_Basic_Amenities_and_the_Environment\"><\/span>Housing, Basic Amenities, and the Environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to safe and stable <strong>housing<\/strong>, clean <strong>water<\/strong> and <strong>sanitation<\/strong>, and a healthy, non-toxic <strong>environment<\/strong> are vital factors in the <strong>SDOH<\/strong>. Documented discrimination practices like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.fivethirtyeight.com\/redlining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">redlining<\/a><\/strong> and the development of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2023\/02\/19\/1156851675\/in-2022-black-farmers-were-persistently-left-behind-from-the-usdas-loan-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">systems that support <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2023\/02\/19\/1156851675\/in-2022-black-farmers-were-persistently-left-behind-from-the-usdas-loan-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bias<\/a> <\/strong>have created <strong>disparities<\/strong> in access to these essentials, adversely affecting <strong>community health<\/strong>, and leading to a higher prevalence of <strong>non-communicable diseases<\/strong> like <strong>stroke<\/strong>, <strong>heart disease<\/strong>, <strong>cancer<\/strong>, <strong>diabetes<\/strong>, and <strong>chronic lung disease<\/strong> in these communities. For example, the <strong>City of Baltimore<\/strong> analyzed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.environmentalintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Baltimore-Asthma.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rate of <strong>asthma-related hospitalizations<\/strong><\/a> and found that it had three times the number in comparison to the national average, demonstrating a strong correlation between <strong>asthma emergencies<\/strong> and local <strong>air pollution<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s essential to advocate for <strong>policies<\/strong> to address <strong>inequities<\/strong> in order to combat <strong>housing discrimination<\/strong>, increase <strong>affordability<\/strong>, provide a clean, modern <strong>water<\/strong> and <strong>sanitation infrastructure<\/strong>, and work toward <strong>environmental justice<\/strong> to ensure that everyone has access to the fundamental <strong>resources<\/strong> for better <strong>health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"944\" height=\"932\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T123004.949.png\" alt=\"An illustration of housing around the world with a heart in the center of it.\" class=\"wp-image-1446\" style=\"width:313px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T123004.949.png 944w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T123004.949.png?resize=300,296 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-09T123004.949.png?resize=768,758 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_and_Community_Context-2\"><\/span>Social and Community Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Social and community context refers to the <strong>social environment<\/strong> that we live in, including the <strong>social networks<\/strong>, <strong>relationships<\/strong>, and <strong>cultural norms<\/strong> that influence us. Intentionally excluding people leads to high levels of <strong>stress<\/strong>, which negatively impacts both <strong>physical<\/strong> and <strong>mental health<\/strong>. A supportive <strong>social environment<\/strong> promotes positive <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> by providing access to <strong>resources<\/strong>, offering <strong>emotional support<\/strong>, and instilling a sense of <strong>belonging<\/strong>. Ensuring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/11\/08\/words-matter-the-power-of-inclusive-language-in-medicine\"><strong>inclusivity <\/strong>and combating <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/11\/08\/words-matter-the-power-of-inclusive-language-in-medicine\">discrimination<\/a> <\/strong>are vital to achieving fair, <strong>equitable healthcare access<\/strong> and better <strong>health outcomes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Inclusion_and_Non-Discrimination\"><\/span>Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social inclusion<\/strong> is the process of ensuring that all of us have opportunities to take part in <strong>social, economic, and political activities<\/strong> while being treated with <strong>dignity<\/strong> and <strong>respect<\/strong>, regardless of background or personal characteristics. With <strong>social inclusion<\/strong>, no one is subjected to <strong>discrimination<\/strong> for their <strong>race<\/strong>, <strong>ethnicity<\/strong>, <strong>gender<\/strong>, <strong>religion<\/strong>, level of <strong>ability<\/strong>, or <strong>sexual orientation<\/strong>, which helps foster a more <strong>equitable<\/strong> and fair society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More on this topic &gt;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/11\/08\/words-matter-the-power-of-inclusive-language-in-medicine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Words Matter: The Power of Inclusive Language in Medicine<\/a><\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structural_Conflict\"><\/span>Structural Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Structural conflicts<\/strong> are deep-rooted <strong>societal issues<\/strong> ingrained within the structure or framework of society and include (but aren\u2019t limited to) <strong>racism<\/strong>, <strong>sexism<\/strong>, <strong>classism<\/strong>, <strong>ableism<\/strong>, <strong>xenophobia<\/strong>, and <strong>homophobia<\/strong>. These conflicts restrict access to <strong>education<\/strong>, <strong>employment<\/strong>, and <strong>healthcare services<\/strong>, worsening <strong>health disparities<\/strong>. To create a fair and equitable <strong>healthcare system<\/strong> and promote better <strong>health<\/strong> for everyone, it\u2019s crucial we acknowledge and embrace <strong>inclusivity<\/strong> while actively combating <strong>discrimination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not surprisingly, <strong>discrimination<\/strong> makes it difficult for <strong>marginalized people<\/strong> or groups to be fully part of <strong>society<\/strong> or exercise the same <strong>rights<\/strong> as others. According to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK425845\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NLM Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity<\/a><\/strong> report, <strong>discrimination<\/strong> based on <strong>social identity<\/strong> or <strong>location<\/strong> plays a key role in limiting <strong>marginalized people\u2019s access<\/strong> to <strong>opportunities<\/strong> and <strong>services<\/strong> that promote good <strong>health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, the personal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic <strong>inequities<\/strong> that are a result of <strong>structural conflicts<\/strong> like <strong>racism<\/strong> or <strong>sexism<\/strong> create unfair differences in how we\u2019re treated and impact how we access <strong>health opportunities<\/strong> and our <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> throughout our entire lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK425845\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Black women<\/strong> are more likely to give birth to <strong>underweight babies<\/strong><\/a>, and those babies are more likely to die, even after accounting for <strong>socioeconomic factors<\/strong>. While <strong>race<\/strong> itself is a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/race-is-a-social-construct-scientists-argue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">social construct<\/a><\/strong> and not a <strong>biological category<\/strong>, we can see that <strong>racism<\/strong> has <strong>biological consequences<\/strong>. Addressing <strong>discrimination<\/strong> and developing <strong>inclusion-focused policies<\/strong> is essential to ensuring <strong>equal<\/strong>, <strong>equitable access<\/strong> to <strong>quality care<\/strong> and improving <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>social determinants of health<\/strong> have a profound impact on our lives, <strong>well-being<\/strong>, and the performance of our <strong>healthcare system<\/strong> and involve a variety of factors that reveal <strong>inequalities<\/strong> in our <strong>society<\/strong>. Recognizing those <strong>inequalities<\/strong> is essential for addressing <strong>health disparities<\/strong> while also emphasizing that <strong>health<\/strong> goes well beyond our <strong>genetics<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Integrating the <strong>SDOH<\/strong> into <strong>health policy discussions<\/strong> has led to a more <strong>holistic approach to health<\/strong> and <strong>wellness<\/strong> because it considers <strong>social factors<\/strong> necessary to create a healthier, more <strong>equitable future<\/strong>. By acknowledging and addressing these factors collectively between <strong>healthcare providers<\/strong>, <strong>policymakers<\/strong>, and <strong>communities<\/strong>, we take a step closer to achieving <strong>health equity<\/strong> and better <strong>health outcomes<\/strong> for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glossary_of_Terms\"><\/span>Glossary of Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bias<\/strong>:&nbsp;Thoughts that can shape our <strong>perceptions<\/strong> and <strong>decisions<\/strong>, often leading to <strong>unfair advantages<\/strong> or <strong>disadvantages<\/strong> for individuals or groups.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Environmental justice<\/strong>:&nbsp;The fair treatment and meaningful inclusion of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of <strong>environmental laws<\/strong>, <strong>regulations<\/strong>, and <strong>policies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Equity<\/strong>:&nbsp;Recognizing and rectifying past and ongoing <strong>inequalities<\/strong> to ensure a <strong>fair<\/strong> and even distribution of <strong>resources<\/strong>, <strong>opportunities<\/strong>, and <strong>benefits<\/strong>, ensuring everyone has the support they need to achieve their full potential, regardless of their <strong>background<\/strong> or <strong>identity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Equality<\/strong>:&nbsp;Treating all individuals fairly and impartially, providing them with the same <strong>opportunities<\/strong> and <strong>resources<\/strong> without taking any other factors into consideration. The end goal is to eliminate <strong>discrimination<\/strong> and <strong>biases<\/strong> by providing everyone with an <strong>equal starting point<\/strong>. However, equality best practices often neglect to address existing <strong>disparities<\/strong> or account for varying <strong>needs<\/strong>, whereas <strong>equity<\/strong> focuses on rectifying these imbalances to achieve genuine <strong>fairness<\/strong> for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food desert<\/strong>:&nbsp;An area with very limited access to <strong>affordable, healthy food<\/strong> leading to poor <strong>dietary choices<\/strong> and <strong>health disparities<\/strong> due to a lack of <strong>grocery stores<\/strong> or local markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food insecurity<\/strong>:&nbsp;Having limited or uncertain access to <strong>nutritious food<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inclusion<\/strong>:&nbsp;Creating an <strong>environment<\/strong> where all individuals, regardless of their <strong>identity<\/strong>, feel <strong>valued<\/strong>, <strong>respected<\/strong>, and <strong>empowered<\/strong> to contribute fully. <strong>Inclusion<\/strong> goes beyond <strong>diversity<\/strong> by ensuring <strong>equitable opportunities<\/strong> for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Marginalization<\/strong>:&nbsp;The systematic exclusion of certain groups or individuals, impacting their overall <strong>well-being<\/strong>, leading to reduced access to vital <strong>resources<\/strong>, <strong>health disparities<\/strong>, and <strong>social inequalities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Privilege<\/strong>:&nbsp;Unearned advantages that some individuals or groups have due to their <strong>societal position<\/strong>. Recognizing <strong>privilege<\/strong> is important for fostering <strong>empathy<\/strong>, sharing <strong>resources<\/strong>, and leveling the <strong>playing field<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Race<\/strong>:&nbsp;The <strong>social<\/strong> and <strong>cultural construct<\/strong> that categorizes people into different <strong>racial groups<\/strong> based on <strong>physical characteristics<\/strong> and <strong>ancestry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Racism<\/strong>:&nbsp;A <strong>systemic<\/strong> and <strong>structural system<\/strong> of <strong>discrimination<\/strong> and <strong>bias<\/strong> based on an individual&#8217;s <strong>race<\/strong> or <strong>ethnicity<\/strong> that maintains and perpetuates <strong>social, economic, and political advantages<\/strong> for one <strong>racial group<\/strong> while subordinating and disadvantaging others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Redlining<\/strong>:&nbsp;A discriminatory practice involving the denial of <strong>financial services<\/strong> such as <strong>mortgage<\/strong> and <strong>insurance loans<\/strong> to residents of communities based on their <strong>race<\/strong> or <strong>ethnicity<\/strong>. <strong>Redlining<\/strong> results in less <strong>investment<\/strong> in those communities and observable <strong>disparities in resources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social protection<\/strong>:&nbsp;A <strong>social safety net<\/strong> that includes a group of <strong>policies, programs, and initiatives<\/strong> designed to provide <strong>financial assistance<\/strong>, <strong>support<\/strong>, and <strong>security<\/strong> to individuals and families in times of need or vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vulnerable populations<\/strong>:&nbsp;Groups at higher risk due to <strong>socioeconomic<\/strong>, <strong>demographic<\/strong>, or <strong>health-related factors<\/strong>, including <strong>racial or ethnic minorities<\/strong>, <strong>LGBTQIA+<\/strong>, the <strong>elderly<\/strong>, <strong>children<\/strong>, the <strong>socioeconomically disadvantaged<\/strong>, underinsured individuals, or those with certain <strong>medical conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) affect our health through income, education, housing, and neighborhood conditions.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic stability and access to jobs, income, and social protection influence physical and mental health.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education and early childhood development support long-term health, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthcare access and quality determine disease prevention, treatment, and overall health outcomes.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social inclusion and a supportive community reduce stress, combat discrimination, and promote health equity.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Reading\"><\/span>Additional Reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-is-intersectional-healthcare-and-why-is-it-important\">What Is Intersectional Healthcare and Why Is It Important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-important-are-our-neighborhoods-and-built-environments-in-shaping-our-health\">How Important Are Our Neighborhoods and Built Environments in Shaping Our Health?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-education-access-and-quality\">Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-economic-stability\">Social Determinants of Health: Economic Stability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-health-care-access-and-quality\">Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-social-and-community-context\">Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reviewers\"><\/span>Reviewers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/marina-kerekes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Marina Horiates Kerekes<\/strong><\/a>, MD, Osmosis by Elsevier Director of Medical Assessment<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/kelsey-lafayette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Kelsey Lafayette<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/a>DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, Osmosis by Elsevier Nursing Content Manager<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/liz-lucas\"><strong>Elizabeth Lucas<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/a>EdD, RN, CNE, Osmosis by Elsevier Senior Nursing Content Manager<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/lisa-miklush\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Lisa Miklush<\/strong><\/a>, PhD, RNC, CNS, Sr. Osmosis by Elsevier Content Editor, Nursing<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/Maria-Pfrommer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Maria Pfrommer<\/strong><\/a><strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0DNP, Ph.D., FNP-BC, RN, Osmosis by Elsevier Director of Nursing Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References_Resources\"><\/span>References &amp; Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.cdc.gov\/niosh-science-blog\/2023\/02\/16\/sdoh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/blogs.cdc.gov\/niosh-science-blog\/2023\/02\/16\/sdoh\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/noncommunicable-diseases#:~:text=Socioeconomic%20impact&amp;text=Vulnerable%20and%20socially%20disadvantaged%20people,limited%20access%20to%20health%20services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/noncommunicable-diseases#:~:text=Socioeconomic%20impact&amp;text=Vulnerable%20and%20socially%20disadvantaged%20people,limited%20access%20to%20health%20services<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/11\/08\/words-matter-the-power-of-inclusive-language-in-medicine\">https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/11\/08\/words-matter-the-power-of-inclusive-language-in-medicine&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/sdoh\/addressing-sdoh.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/sdoh\/addressing-sdoh.html<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.environmentalintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Baltimore-Asthma.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.environmentalintegrity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Baltimore-Asthma.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education#cit18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education#cit18<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.cdc.gov\/niosh-science-blog\/2023\/02\/16\/sdoh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/blogs.cdc.gov\/niosh-science-blog\/2023\/02\/16\/sdoh\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12939-018-0773-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12939-018-0773-5<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/noncommunicable-diseases#:~:text=Socioeconomic%20impact&amp;text=Vulnerable%20and%20socially%20disadvantaged%20people,limited%20access%20to%20health%20services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/noncommunicable-diseases#:~:text=Socioeconomic%20impact&amp;text=Vulnerable%20and%20socially%20disadvantaged%20people,limited%20access%20to%20health%20services<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/sdoh\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/about\/sdoh\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahrq.gov\/sdoh\/resources.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ahrq.gov\/sdoh\/resources.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/academicmedicine\/fulltext\/2018\/01000\/teaching_the_social_determinants_of_health__a_path.15.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/academicmedicine\/fulltext\/2018\/01000\/teaching_the_social_determinants_of_health__a_path.15.aspx<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3863703\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3863703\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1447157\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1447157\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK568721\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK568721\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK425845\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK425845\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5880718\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5880718\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4435622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4435622\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7581195\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7581195\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/patient-support-advocacy\/social-determinants-health-what-medical-students-need-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/patient-support-advocacy\/social-determinants-health-what-medical-students-need-know<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/race-is-a-social-construct-scientists-argue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/race-is-a-social-construct-scientists-argue\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education#cit18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\/literature-summaries\/early-childhood-development-and-education#cit18<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Huang, K. Y., Cheng, S., &amp; Theise, R. (2013). School contexts as social determinants of child health: Current practices and implications for future public health practice. Public Health Reports, 128(6_suppl3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muennig, P., &amp; Woolf, S. H. (2007). Health and economic benefits of reducing the number of students per classroom in U.S. primary schools. American Journal of Public Health, 97(11), 2020\u20132027.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pianta, R. C., La Paro, K. M., Payne, C., Cox, M. J., &amp; Bradley, R. (2002). The relation of kindergarten classroom environment to teacher, family, and school characteristics and child outcomes. Elementary School Journal, 102(3), 225\u2013238.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Access your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>\u00a0to find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health beyond genetics, shaping disparities and opportunities in healthcare access.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":1417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,14,18,24,902,867,28,30,16,37,32],"tags":[1052,1051,1050,905,525,523,1053,422,423,1054],"class_list":["post-1413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-dental","category-equity-diversity-and-inclusion","category-imgs","category-lgbtqia","category-lpn","category-mental-health","category-np","category-do","category-pa","category-nursing","tag-economic-stability","tag-education-access","tag-food-insecurity","tag-health-disparities","tag-health-equity","tag-healthcare-access","tag-neighborhood-environment","tag-sdoh","tag-social-determinants-of-health","tag-structural-discrimination"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important? - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important? - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health beyond genetics, shaping disparities and opportunities in healthcare access.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-10-12T16:26:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-15T22:49:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Steph Stevens\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Steph Stevens\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/23bf2db3fdac12d41f7454f291c0e979\"},\"headline\":\"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-12T16:26:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-15T22:49:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\"},\"wordCount\":3126,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/47.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"economic stability\",\"education access\",\"food insecurity\",\"health disparities\",\"health equity\",\"healthcare access\",\"neighborhood environment\",\"sdoh\",\"social determinants of health\",\"structural discrimination\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Allopathic Medicine (MD)\",\"Dentistry\",\"Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging\",\"International Medical Graduates (IMG)\",\"LGBTQIA+\",\"LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)\",\"Mental Health\",\"Nurse Practitioner (NP)\",\"Osteopathic Medicine (DO)\",\"Physician Assistants\/Associates (PA)\",\"Registered Nursing (RN)\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\",\"name\":\"What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important? 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