What are social determinants of health?

Social determinants of health encompass a range of conditions that significantly impact the health of individuals and communities. These conditions include factors such as socioeconomic status, education, physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare. By addressing these determinants, public health programs can improve health outcomes across populations, highlighting the importance of context beyond biological or environmental factors.

Understanding that social determinants can influence health outcomes means that health disparities can often be rooted in the broader social landscape, rather than merely in individual choices or genetics. This perspective is crucial for community health nursing, as interventions often need to focus on these underlying societal factors to foster better overall health and equity.