There is more to health and well-being than biology and genetics alone. In fact, there are a wide range of factors that can influence an individual’s health, many of which they may not have control over. Known as the social determinants of health, these factors play a significant role in a person’s ability to access the care that they need.
Of all healthcare professionals, nurses are likely to have the biggest impact on minimizing disparities in healthcare. This makes it imperative that you learn more about the social determinants of health and how they influence patient care and outcomes.
What Are Social Determinants of Health?
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, social determinants of health are defined as the environmental conditions where people are born, live, play and work that can ultimately impact their physical health, emotional well-being and quality of life. Often referred to as SDOH, these factors can be grouped into five categories:
- Economic Stability
- Educational Access and Quality
- Health Care Access and Quality
- Neighborhood and Built Environment
- Social and Community Context
Research has shown that social factors and other non-medical factors play a significant role in the disparities in healthcare seen today. By being aware of the social determinants of health, nurses and other healthcare professionals can develop personalized treatment plans that consider these powerful factors and strive to address any inequities that exist.
Some social determinants of health examples include:
- The type of housing that an individual resides in.
- The family dynamic of the affected individual.
- The individual’s access to clean water and air.
- An individual’s educational background and income level.
Defining Health Equity
Health equity is defined by the Center for Disease Control as a desirable state in which all individuals have the access and ability required to attain the highest possible level of health. Health equity is not a stationary goal, but rather an ongoing effort that requires a collaborative approach to achieve.
Recognizing the importance of health equity, nurses and other healthcare professionals can use the social determinants of health to try and bridge the gap for those who may experience disparities in healthcare access.
The Role of Social Factors in Health Outcomes
On the surface, it may seem like a person’s social life or community structure has no influence on their physical health or emotional well-being. However, social factors play a critical role in a person’s health outcomes. Individuals who are isolated or lonely face higher risks of chronic health conditions. This includes those unable to pursue education, secure high-paying jobs, or living in violence-prone neighborhoods, compared to those in safe, secure environments with strong social support.
Importance of Addressing Social Determinants in Nursing Practice
An article published by the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing highlights how nurses play an important role in addressing social determinants of health within the healthcare system. Given their position on the frontlines of patient-centered care, nurses have an opportunity to get to know their patients on a more personal basis and identify a list of social determinants of health that may be impacting their physical and mental health.
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Patient Health
Socioeconomic factors can have a significant impact on a patient’s risk of developing chronic health conditions or their ability to recover after a serious illness, injury or surgery. Some socioeconomic factors that influence overall patient health include:
- Food insecurity
- Housing insecurity
- Employment status
- Educational attainment
The Influence of Environment and Housing on Well-Being
Individuals living in low-income housing or crowded, polluted cities may face a higher risk of chronic health conditions. In contrast, those with higher incomes can afford property in well-developed areas, potentially reducing their health risks.
Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination as Health Determinants
Defined by the CDC as a system that assigns values, opportunities and access to individuals based on their race and appearance, racism can play a powerful role in a person’s access to healthcare. Racism has long disadvantaged particular people in society, keeping them from being able to achieve the highest level of health and happiness.
The Effect of Racism on Health Inequities
Racism has played a significant role in the health disparities and inequities that continue to exist today. Structural racism has affected healthcare access in innumerable ways, such as:
- Condemning specific groups of people to low-income housing.
- Limiting the transportation options for those who need to seek healthcare outside of their neighborhoods.
- Preventing certain groups of people from achieving the high level of education needed to secure better employment opportunities.
How Cultural Sensitivity in Nursing Can Bridge the Gap
Nurses who are culturally aware, responsible and sensitive to others can take a more nuanced approach to healthcare and work to address the disparities in healthcare that exist. Providing each patient with the care they need, and prioritizing their treatment objectively, can ensure that everyone works toward achieving better health equity.
Navigating Income, Wealth and Access to Care
Income and wealth can be a key determining factor in an individual’s access to healthcare. The reality of the matter is, individuals who have a higher income or higher level of wealth can access faster, better and even more affordable healthcare. Those with limited financial resources are not always able to promptly receive the care that they need, and they may be less likely to know where to turn for help.
The Correlation Between Wealth and Health Accessibility
Individuals at a higher income level can receive better healthcare because:
- They likely have superior healthcare coverage from their employer.
- They likely live in area in which it’s easy to access high-quality healthcare from reputable providers.
- They likely have a higher level of education, making them more aware of the options available to them.
Role of Nurses in Facilitating Better Access to Care
As the liaison between the patient and the rest of their care providers, nurses can help patients develop a better understanding of the options available to them. In addition, they can connect patients with resources that will ensure they are receiving the care they need at a price they can afford.
Education as a Key Determinant of Health
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that educational attainment has been shown to play a significant role in a person’s overall health and well-being. People with higher education levels lead longer and healthier lives, often because they have access to better jobs that usually include health insurance, which allows them to access better overall healthcare.
Interplay Between Health Literacy and Patient Outcome
Health literacy is explained by the CDC as an individual’s ability to access, understand and utilize information related to their healthcare. Health literate patients often experience improved outcomes because they are better able to advocate for themselves.
Encouraging Educational Opportunities for Better Health
When a nurse recognizes that a patient may not be health literate, they can help better explain information to their patients in a way that they understand and advocate for them. In many cases, a nurse can help a patient access resources that can improve their health and well-being.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Health Inequities
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the racial disparities and inequities in healthcare were blatantly obvious. Lower-income individuals were much more likely to contract COVID-19 and suffer serious consequences as a result.
How Can Nurses Alleviate Health Disparities Exacerbated by the Pandemic?
Nurses can help alleviate these disparities by being mindful of the social determinants of health. They ensure all patients receive high-quality care, regardless of any non-medical factors affecting their health and well-being.
Advance Your Nursing Career at Nevada State University
At Nevada State University, we offer an RN-to-BSN online track that allows you to build upon your existing nursing foundation and expedite your path toward earning a bachelor’s degree. Our nursing degree programs are known for going beyond the basics of nursing care, and exploring nursing ethics, policy changes and social factors that influence healthcare access.
To learn more about our comprehensive nursing degree programs, contact us today.
Sources
https://nevadastate.edu/academics/son/
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-23-2018/number-3-september-2018/social-determinants-of-health-nursing-education/
https://journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2022/04000/nurses__role_in_addressing_social_determinants_of.10.aspx
https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/whatis/index.html
https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1
https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/health_equity/socioeconomic.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/racism-disparities/index.html
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/learning_matters_how_education_affects.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html