Social Determinants Of Health Research Paper

Social determinants of health are the systems and methods by which conditions of society influence health and healthy living, including housing, food security, health care (access & quality), relationships, education, etc., and which are subject to change through knowledge acquisition and practices. These can be both positive and negative, they could be factors that influence health and well-being, as well as factors responsible for health inequalities (Solar & Irwin, 2010). Based on this week’s readings on social determinants of health framework, I would say two leading social determinants of health in my locality are income and education. Money significantly influences health, health beliefs and health-seeking behaviours, thus, access to …show more content…
They determine the equal distribution of resources necessary for health in society according to race, gender, social class, geography, sexual identity, or other socially defined group of people (Illinois Department of Public Health, n.d.). Examples of structural determinants of health include the degree to which government subsidizes health care or education, policies about pollution (including minimum standards or where toxic substances are stored or released), minimum wage, as well as policies regarding the built environment, which all contribute to social class inequalities. In my community, there are large disparities in this regard. Environmental laws are weak, as are many other government policies which directly impact public health, and tougher control of inflation keeps worsening the gap in social class and inequities. The political system, as well as economic and social policies that impact wages, conditions of employment, housing, and education, are structural determinants that significantly impact health inequities in my locality There are currently struggles and negotiations ongoing regarding minimum wage increment for the public and particularly health …show more content…
Social support and community development programs such as support for people living with disabilities and mental health issues can also contribute to providing opportunities for all to attain optimal health. It is also important to implement policies that support a robust monitoring and surveillance system to stay updated on health outcomes and identify incidence and prevalence of health disparities and inequities so as to promptly resolve them and maintain

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