Social determinants of health are the economic and social conditions that influence individual and group differences in health status. These determinants encompass economic and social factors that impact the health of people and communities, and they are interconnected with other determinants of health such as genetics, behavior, environmental and physical influences, and medical care. Addressing social determinants of health is crucial for achieving health equity, where everyone has the opportunity to attain their full health potential without being disadvantaged due to their social position or other socially determined circumstances
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Factors Influencing Health
Social Determinants of Health: These encompass economic and social conditions that influence the health of individuals and communities. They include the distribution of income, wealth, influence, and power, and are shaped by public policies reflecting prevailing political ideologies
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Interconnected Categories: Social determinants of health are interconnected with genetics, behavior, environmental and physical influences, and medical care. These factors collectively influence health outcomes and disparities in the health of disadvantaged populations
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Influence on Health Outcomes: Social determinants of health have profound effects on health outcomes, with significant disparities leading to lifelong impacts on children and youth. Addressing these disparities is crucial for the elimination of health disparities
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Impact on Health Inequalities
Association with Income: There is a strong association between income and health, with many health outcomes improving incrementally as income rises. Income can affect various aspects of health and have a knock-on effect on other social determinants
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Causes of Health Determinants: Social determinants can be seen as foundational determinants that influence other health determinants, including health behaviors and biomedical factors. They extend inward to affect other factors, shaping individual lifestyle and genetic makeup
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Wider Influences on Health
Forces and Systems: Social determinants of health include wider influences such as racism, social norms, social policies, economic systems, and political systems. These forces and systems shape the conditions of daily life and have a significant impact on health
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Influence at Multiple Levels: The social determinants of health can be conceptualized as influencing health at multiple levels throughout the life course, from prenatal influences to the progression of disease and recovery. Factors such as education, income, and occupation interact to shape health outcomes over the life course
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