Social Determinants of Health

Summary

This video script addresses the impact of social determinants of health, emphasizing that health is influenced by more than individual choices but also by systemic factors such as discrimination and access to resources. It outlines the upstream and downstream factors affecting health, using race as an example to illustrate how systemic racism can lead to health disparities. The script calls for community advocacy and provides a starting point with the US Healthy People website, which lists goals to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and safe neighborhoods, aiming to enhance overall health.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The script emphasizes the importance of considering not just personal choices but also environmental factors in maintaining health.
• 🌐 Social determinants of health are conditions like where people are born, grow, work, and live, which can significantly impact their well-being.
• 🔍 Health determinants are categorized into upstream (systemic) and downstream (individual) factors, with the former influencing the latter.
• 🏛️ Upstream factors include systemic issues like institutional discrimination and access to essential services and resources.
• 👤 Downstream factors pertain to individual circumstances such as employment status, education, and personal identity aspects.
• 🔄 The impact of upstream determinants on downstream ones is likened to a dam's effect on a river's flow, highlighting the direct influence of systemic issues on individuals.
• 📊 Disturbing statistics are presented, such as higher suicide rates in certain regions and racial disparities in life expectancy and infant mortality.
• 💰 Economic status plays a role in health, with lower-income individuals facing increased psychological distress and barriers to healthcare.
• 🌱 Addressing social determinants of health is a collective task that requires advocacy and community involvement.
• 📘 The US Healthy People website offers goals aimed at improving various social determinants, including access to jobs, education, and healthcare.
• 💡 Change in social structures is a gradual process that requires empathy, understanding, and sustained effort from everyone.

Q & A

What are social determinants of health?

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, play, learn, and worship. They include factors like education, employment, housing, healthy foods, and quality healthcare that impact health.

How are social determinants of health categorized?

Social determinants of health are categorized into upstream factors and downstream factors. Upstream factors occur at the systemic level, while downstream factors are specific to individuals.

What are some examples of upstream factors?

Upstream factors include institutional discrimination, accessibility of education, employment, housing, healthy foods, and quality healthcare.

What are some examples of downstream factors?

Downstream factors include employment status, level of education, and aspects of identity such as gender, race, and disability status.

How do upstream social determinants affect downstream ones?

Upstream social determinants directly affect downstream ones by influencing systemic conditions that in turn impact individual health outcomes.

How does systemic racism impact health according to the script?

Systemic racism leads to consequences like less access to employment and education, which negatively impact health.

What are some statistics mentioned in the script that highlight the impact of social determinants on health?

Some statistics include the highest suicide rates in western American states and Appalachian regions, the shortest life expectancy among Non-Hispanic Black individuals, and the mortality rate of Black infants being more than double that of white infants.

How does income affect the likelihood of experiencing serious psychological distress and going without needed care due to cost?

People with a family income of $35,000 or lower are 5.4 times more likely to experience serious psychological distress and 10.6 times more likely to go without needed care due to cost compared to those with an annual family income of $100,000 or higher.

What is the role of the US Healthy People website in addressing social determinants of health?

The US Healthy People website provides stated goals related to social determinants aimed at improving access to jobs, food, housing, education, community connectedness, healthcare, health literacy, neighborhood safety, and housing quality.

What is the importance of advocating for change in one's own community to tackle social determinants of health?

Advocating for change in one's own community can help address upstream factors and make a difference in improving health outcomes for everyone.

Why is empathy and sustained effort important in addressing social determinants of health?

Empathy and sustained effort are important because systemic issues impact individuals differently, and people are the experts of their own lives. Change in social structures won't happen overnight, so a compassionate and consistent approach is necessary.