Social Determinants of Health

Health is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetics, individual behaviors, physical environment, medical care, and socioeconomic factors.

The social determinants of health are the socioeconomic conditions in which we live, learn, work, play, and age, and include the financial, social, familial, and educational aspects of a person’s life as well as the physical environment in which the person lives. Over the past few decades, research has demonstrated the significant impact that these factors have on an individual’s health as “root causes” that influence an individual’s ability to make healthy choices, access quality medical care, and live healthy lives.

Social determinants of health can include inadequate access to nutritious food, lack of affordable housing, lack of convenient and efficient transportation options, limited opportunities for quality education and meaningful employment, and limited broadband access, among others.