Determinants of Health

In “The role of social determinants of health in promoting health equality: A narrative review”, Chelak and Chakole explore how social determinants of health (SDH) have a negative influence health equity (Chelak and Chakole, 2023). 

SDH is defined as the external factors such as economic, environmental and social considerations that can influence an individual’s well-being (Chelak and Chakole, 2023).  The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that SDH is the cause for 30-50% of health outcomes (World Health Organization, n.d).

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities due to socioeconomic disparities among individuals and marginalized groups leads to inequitable access to healthcare within a community. Those with limited access to higher education, experiencing unemployment, or facing housing instability are at a greater risk of developing health conditions (Chelak and Chakole, 2023).

In recognition of the systematic disparity with healthcare access, public health authorities aim to create interventions to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly in marginalized groups.  For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare institutions introduced social distancing and masking mandates to help reduce the spread of the virus.  Outreach programs were also implemented to provide aid to marginalized groups in need.  These interventions are crucial in recognizing systemic flaws and to help achieve health equity (Chelak and Chakole, 2023).

References:

1)        Chelak, K., & Chakole, S. (2023). The role of social determinants of health in promoting health equality: A narrative review. Cureus, 15(1), e33425. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33425

2)        World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1