What do Social Determinants of Health refer to?

Social Determinants of Health refer to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age. These include a wide range of external factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks.

This concept emphasizes that health is not solely determined by individual behaviors or genetic predispositions but is significantly shaped by these broader social and environmental factors. For instance, access to healthy foods, quality housing, and safe neighborhoods can directly impact an individual's health and well-being. Recognizing the importance of these determinants is crucial for developing effective public health policies and interventions that aim to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Other options highlight aspects of health that, while important, do not encompass the full range of social determinants. Cultural practices and genetic factors relate to personal or inherited aspects of health, and technological advancements, while transformative, do not directly address the societal conditions that influence health.