Human health is a complex issue. There are various factors that combine to have significant effects on the health of individuals. One’s socioeconomic status is among these factors. Poverty, lack of access to healthcare services and low levels of education are some of the specific socioeconomic forces which have adverse impacts on human health. In order to effectively offer care, providers need to understand these factors and their impacts on health. Policy makers should also have a full understanding of the factors so that they are able to develop policies which account for the socioeconomic determinants of health and wellbeing.
An understanding of the social determinants of health (SDOH) can only be gained when one recognizes what this concept means. Essentially, these determinants refer to the non-medical factors which shape human wellbeing and health (Data Dialogues, 2012). It is worth noting that the effects of SDOH can either be positive or adverse. In their text, Zhang, Padilla and Kim (2017) identify bullying as among the SDOH which have adverse impacts on the health of children. Apart from bullying, Zhang and his team also note that power inequalities and discrimination are other SDOH whose effects on health are largely adverse. Housing, gender and social support are other SDOH (UBC Medicine- Education Media, 2017).
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Falling Victim to SDOH
It can be argued that individuals fall victim to the SDOH. This argument is valid as it captures the fact that the SDOH strips individuals of freedom and choice. For example, poverty is among the SDOH which have been shown to negatively affect health (Chung et al., 2018). Poverty limits access to healthy and nutritious food choices. Furthermore, the poor are unable to access quality health care. The example of poverty shows that the SDOH trap individuals and make it difficult for them to obtain the services and resources they need to maintain their health. While it is fair to contend that individuals fall victim to the SDOH, it should be noted that this is not necessarily true in all situations. There are some SDOH over which individuals exercise some level of control. For example, one’s social relationships are among the SDOH over which they have some control.
Video Reflection
One of the issues that the third video addresses is how one’s social context “gets under their skin”. In a literal sense, this statement means that the pollutants and hazards that individuals are exposed to enter their system, causing negative health outcomes (UBC Medicine- Education Media, 2017). This statement can also be regarded from a symbolic perspective. It means that the different SDOH join forces to shape human health. If these factors are negative, their effect on health is also negative. The fourth video also sheds light on the SDOH. In this video, Hank Green, the speaker, links emotions and stress to human health. He observes that when exposed to stressful situations, individuals are likely to display negative emotions and experience adverse health outcomes (Crash Course, 2014). One can make connections between stress and emotions, and SDOH and implicit bias. This connection can be illustrated using an example. Suppose that a doctor is feeling stressed and his emotions are generally negative. It can be expected that implicit bias will color the doctor’s judgment and make it difficult for them to approach care with objectivity. For example, the doctor may blame his patients for their conditions instead of providing appropriate care. Essentially, stress may force the doctor to rely on stereotypes as he makes decisions and provides care. Regarding SDOH, stress and emotions have significant impacts on health. When stressed, individuals may develop physical and mental illnesses.
In conclusion, the social determinants of health are among the major factors that influence human wellness. It is important for practitioners to partner with policy makers so as to develop strategies and programs that shield communities against the adverse effects of social factors. Particular focus should be given to poverty eradication and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. By taking action to address the SDOH, authorities will be making strides in enhancing equality.
References
Chung, R. Y., Chung, G. K., Gordon, D., Wong, S. W., Chan, D., Lau, M. K., Tang, W. M., & Wong, H. (2018). Deprivation is associated with worse physical and mental health beyond income poverty: a population-based household survey among Chinese adults. Quality of Life Research, 27 (8), 2127-35.
Crash Course. (2014). Emotion, stress and health: crash course psychology #26. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KbSRXP0wik&feature=youtu.be
Data Dialogue. (2012). Social determinants of health. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neuQN6Fl7Io&feature=youtu.be
UBC Media- Educational Medicine. (2017). The Social Determinants of Health. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTqknri15fQ&feature=youtu.be
Zhang, A., Padilla, Y. C., & Kim, Y. (2017). How early do social determinants of health begin to operate? Results from the fragile families and child wellbeing study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 37, 42-50. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2017.06.018
