Examples Of Social Determinants Of Health

When we think about Healthcare what is the usual thought that comes to mind? Initially we think that healthcare is related to physical and biological needs. It is conceptualized as a biological service. To the World Health Organization (WHO) healthcare is defined, “as being ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.”(Professor of Health) The concept of Healthcare incorporates a lot more including social factors such as culture, income level, ethnicity, geography, and gender. According to County Health Rankings the determinants are weighted as listed; 20%, behaviors 30%, the social environment 40%, and the physical environment 10%. The perception of healthcare can be changed based on the listed social factors above. Healthcare

These are the environments that populations are born into and conduct their daily living. These determinants are in relation to availability of resources (food), educational and job opportunities, public safety, means of transportation, conditions of stress, access to healthcare, and access to technology. Access to these items listed above can greatly effect health outcomes along with drive a different perception of health. Depending on the levels acquired of social determinants it will correlate on how society conceptualizes

Let’s look at past government laws that have affected these determinants such as banning smoking in public areas and England restricting fast food advertisements; these are somethings effecting behavior determinants of society. Economic determinants such as HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act requires everyone to have health insurance and pay the premiums regardless of their economic status. Government plays important roles amongst health determinants that can ultimately drive more positive or negative effects depending on the population affected. Studies have revealed that Americans dislike managed care but are pleased with physicians and pharmacist. As government enacts stricter standards the price of premium healthcare will continue to rise and society will pay significantly more, for a standard of premium