Have you ever wondered why some people have healthier lives than others? Major contributions are the social determinants of health (SDOH). These refer to the various environmental and social conditions that influence health outcomes. Let's delve into five powerful forces that shape our wellness to uncover how these aspects influence and guide wellbeing.
Education Access and Quality
Access to quality education plays an essential role in determining someone’s overall health. Opportunity opens doors to obtain knowledge, strengthens problem-solving skills, and encourages critical thinking. Valuable education provides accurate, up-to-date information, which can help people make informed decisions related to their health, such as understanding risks associated with particular lifestyle choices or knowing where to find available medical care. Access to a good education also introduces individuals to career options that may lead to successful employment and higher income stability, both of which are associated with better health.
Health Care Quality
Everyone deserves access to quality care, but far too often, those with limited resources or who live in remote areas find it difficult. Without proper healthcare services, people are at risk of facing serious health outcomes due to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Fortunately, solutions like telemedicine are transforming access to quality healthcare, opening the door to remote medical consultations and treatments. But the gap is still there, and strategies and resources are needed to improve quality.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Where we call home can have a powerful impact on our overall health and success. Those who live in low-income areas may be denied access to resources that enable them to make healthy decisions. This could mean missing out on nutritious food choices or safe living environments and being exposed to pollutants and crime.
Social and Community Context
The environment we live in influences our behavior. If we live around people who engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol excessively, then there is a greater chance that we too will engage in these behaviors due to peer pressure or imitation. It is important to create strong communities where healthy behaviors are encouraged and celebrated so influence leans in the positive direction of improvement.
Economic Stability
Our economic situation can greatly influence our overall wellbeing as it affects our ability to make ends meet, pay bills, and provide food for ourselves and our families. Those who lack financial stability are more likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses due to their inability to afford basic necessities like food or shelter. When people can secure consistent, steady incomes, and access basic needs, they are able to worry less about financial constraints and focus more on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Schedule a Demo
At Community CareLink, we simplify the process of capturing, managing, and reporting data for organizations. Our integrated case management system can be a powerful tool in addressing SDOH. This type of system collects, analyzes, and reports on data related to an individual's overall health and wellbeing, including their socioeconomic circumstances. It provides medical personnel with insights into factors such as housing insecurity, food scarcity, language barriers, transportation inadequacies, literacy levels, and access to important services such as mental healthcare. An integrated case management system also provides opportunities for developing interventions designed to reduce or eliminate underlying social issues that may be having a negative effect on health outcomes. Schedule a demo with us to learn how we can help!