What are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)?

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that influence patient well-being. Health outcomes are closely tied to living, working, and environmental conditions, encompassing factors such as income, education, and social support. Recognizing and addressing SDOH makes it possible to achieve better health equity and improve population health, but it requires collaborative effort from healthcare providers and communities.  

Defining Social Determinants of Health

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Healthy People 2030 program have identified five key areas of SDOH: 

1. Healthcare access and quality: Without access to doctors and quality medical care nearby, it’s hard for patients to keep up with their health. 

2. Education access and quality: High-quality schools and opportunities for learning give people the knowledge and skills needed to make better health decisions. 

3. Social and community context: Supportive communities and safe neighborhoods have a significant impact on health outcomes. 

4. Economic stability: A stable local economy means affordable necessities and accessible jobs, which in turn contributes to health outcomes. 

5. Neighborhood and built environment: Access to parks, clean air, and safe housing help to promote better health outcomes. 

Within those areas, some examples of SDOH include:

• Affordable housing 

• Safe neighborhoods

• Accessible transportation

• Clean air and water

• Access to healthy foods 

• Opportunities for physical exercise 

Factors that Influence Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are influenced by the systems that affect daily life, including:

• Political systems

• Climate change

• Social policies

• Racism

• Economic policies

• Social development

• Social norms 

Influencing the Social Determinants of Health

The social determinants of health can be addressed through the following six pillars, according to the CDC: 

• Data analysis, or studying and sharing information about how SDOH affects health outcomes. 

• Evidence-building, or gathering evidence that policies supporting SDOH lead to positive health outcomes. 

• Partnerships, or collaborating between healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers to support SDOH. 

• Community,  or giving community members a voice to speak up about SDOH and whether their needs are being met. 

• Infrastructure, or the policies and programs necessary to support SDOH on a community level. 

• Policy, or government-level action to support SDOH such as clean water, housing access, and food access.

By working together, policymakers, communities, and healthcare providers can mend the gaps in health disparities and develop a future that supports better health equity. 

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