Health variations are influenced by more than just medical factors like genetics, dietary habits and physical activity. There are also non-medical factors that determine a person's health and well-being, such as their living conditions, income, education, access to healthcare, and the strength of social networks. Collectively these are referred to as the social determinants of health (SDOH).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that impact health outcomes. These determinants are influenced by the distribution of money, power, and resources at various levels of society. They can either create health equity or deepen health disparities. For example, two individuals may share the same genetic predispositions, but if one has access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education, while the other doesn’t, their health outcomes could be very different. To understand this better, let’s explore the five key domains of SDOH that affect public health:

𝗮) 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Economic stability refers to the financial security individuals experience and their ability to meet basic needs. A person with stable employment and a sufficient income can afford nutritious food, healthcare services, and safe housing. In contrast, those facing poverty are often forced to prioritize short-term survival over long-term health, leading to chronic stress and poor health outcomes. For instance, in Bangladesh, economically disadvantaged rural populations often struggle with malnutrition and lack of access to basic health services.

𝗯) 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Education plays a pivotal role in determining health outcomes. Higher education levels typically lead to greater health literacy, better employment opportunities, and healthier lifestyles. Individuals with more education tend to engage in preventive care and adopt healthier behaviors. For example, those who are aware of the benefits of vaccinations or cancer screenings are more likely to avoid serious illnesses, reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.

𝗰) 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Access to healthcare is essential for preventing and treating illnesses. The availability of high-quality healthcare services ensures that people receive timely and effective medical care. However, disparities in healthcare access persist, especially in rural or underserved areas. In Bangladesh, many rural communities lack adequate healthcare infrastructure, forcing residents to travel long distances for treatment, often delaying crucial medical interventions.

𝗱) 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The physical environment in which people live also has a profound impact on their health. Safe housing, clean water, and access to green spaces encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. On the other hand, people living in crowded or poorly maintained environments face higher risks of health issues such as respiratory problems, mental health disorders, and chronic diseases. Communities with limited access to fresh food or clean drinking water are particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes.

𝗲) 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

The quality of social relationships within a community influences overall well-being. Strong social networks provide emotional support, reduce stress, and encourage healthy behaviors. Conversely, social isolation or living in marginalized communities can negatively impact mental and physical health. Ethnic minorities, for instance, often face discrimination or exclusion, which leads to worse health outcomes, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in many parts of the world.

In conclusion, while healthcare and individual choices matter, social factors shape public health by influencing the conditions in which people live, work, and interact. Economic stability, education, access to healthcare, neighborhood environments, and social connections directly impact health outcomes. These factors determine access to resources, exposure to risks, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Addressing these social determinants is essential to reducing disparities and promoting a healthier, more equitable society.

Written By:

𝐌𝐝. 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛

Campus Ambassador, BIIHR