What Should I Know About Social Determinants of Health?
Many things can affect your health, from having a healthy lifestyle to getting routine care.
But where you live, work, and learn can also shape your health.
Those things are called social determinants of health, or SDoH. It's good to know about them, and how to get help if you need it.
What are SDoH?
SDoH are outside factors that can affect your health and wellness.
Think about your:
Social and economic situation.
Community support.
School systems.
Access to health care.
Workplace safety.
Water, food, and air quality.
Friendships and relationships.
Not everyone has the same opportunities or the same struggles. And that can make it harder for some people to meet their health goals.
What are examples of SDoH?
SDoH fall into 5 categories. Each can affect your health and well-being.
Economic stability. This includes the factors that can keep you from having enough money, like not having a job or not being able to afford food or rent.
Education. This is where and how you learn. SDoH in this area could be a lack of education or challenges with reading or communicating.
Social and community. This involves your social network and your role in the community. SDoH in this area could be experiencing discrimination or not having friendships. It also includes going to jail or knowing someone who has.
Health and health care. This includes your access to health care, like living far away from a hospital or providers, not having health insurance, or not being able to understand health information.
Neighborhood and environment. This includes where you live. SDoH in this area could be not having access to healthy foods or clean water, living in unsafe housing, or living where there's crime or violence.
If I'm affected by SDoH, where can I get help?
If you struggle in any of these areas, talk to your provider. They may be able to help you find local resources to help.
In addition, your care team may also be a source of support. For example, your care manager may be able to connect you with a food pantry or help you find state help for housing.
How can I help others in my community?
If you aren't affected by SDoH, think about others in your community who may be. Your community's health is your health, too. There are things you can do, like asking your local government to add a bus line or to step up their housing inspections. Or knowing the issues at the ballot in your local community and showing up to vote.
Reaching out to lend a helping hand can make a difference in their lives and yours. And doing good can support your well-being too.
Samuel's story
I was on top of my health all my life, getting regular checkups and keeping up on vaccines. But then I was laid off and lost my health insurance. Money got very tight when I couldn't find another job. I got stressed out. My heart would race. I kept waking up in the middle of the night. Eventually, I got really sick. A friend came to my rescue. He told me about a clinic nearby that provides health care services and charges based on a person's ability to pay. The people at the clinic took care of me. They also told me about a local food pantry and other support services. The services took a load off my back. I can make ends meet again. That clinic has been a lifesaver.