Social Determinants of Health essay

Social Determinants of Health

Health Policy NR 708

Social determinant issue in my community

I believe that social determinants of health (SDH) have a significant role in determining the population’s health. To understand the influence SDH may have on population health, one simply has to look at the list. When dealing with low-income and poverty-stricken areas of our nation, the social determinants of health play a significant influence in the resources individuals have to achieve or maintain health. My classmates, most of whom are from first-generation immigrant families who reside in a primarily Hispanic town, are living proof of this. Social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages are all intertwined to create health inequalities. Disparities in health outcomes disproportionately impact those whose lives have been hampered by a lack of access to adequate healthcare (Shokouh et al., 2017). Racial and ethnic origin, religious affiliation, age, and sexual orientation are a few of the many factors that play a role in this. Lack of access to health care may lead to health inequities. Uneven distribution of health and health resources due to hereditary characteristics or a lack of resources is defined as health equity (Shokouh et al., 2017). Health equality is influenced by factors such as access to health care around the globe.

My perspective about the selected social determinant

Reducing and eventually eradicating health inequities is both a moral and economic obligation for the United States of America (U.S.A.). The projected economic benefit of eliminating inequalities in morbidity and death for persons without a college degree is $1.02 trillion. According to a new study, more than $1 trillion in medical expenditures might be saved if racial and ethnic inequities were eliminated over the next three years (Daniel, Bornstein & Kane, 2018). Health and public policy should work together, but they should also be able to adjust their policies to specific demographics and economic sectors. Early childhood education and other programs aiming at improving the health of society, such as urban planning, housing, income supplements, or job placement, are supported by a substantial body of research. Most studies show that early childhood interventions are most successful in improving long-term health outcomes for vulnerable children and families; they also provide health advantages that last far into adulthood and are relatively inexpensive to implement as well (Heath, 2018). With a 90 per cent free lunch policy at my school, if the lunches offered are better, not only will the children be healthier, but they will be able to take nutritious home recipes that they can share with their families as well. This program in many schools is being eliminated since it is so crucial for young people to participate in regular physical activity. As a result of living in dangerous areas, many children are unable to get any physical exercise outside of school. Furthermore, the activities that older students learn in Phys. Ed. are ones that they may carry into adulthood and use for the rest of their lives. These are some of the significant points and sections to consider while developing new initiatives or making policy decisions for a program.

My tweet

Are social determinants of health (#SDOH) something we should be concentrating on as part of our long-term plan to combat #HealthInequities? For your ground-breaking study, investigate the SDOH evaluations to discover standard measures. #MinorityHealth https://bit.ly/2Rgw4UW.

References

Daniel, H., Bornstein, S. S., & Kane, G. C. (2018). Addressing social determinants to improve patient care and promote health equity: an American College of Physicians position paper. Annals of internal medicine, 168(8), 577-578.

Heath, S. (2018). Programs Targeting Social Determinants of Health Improve Wellness. Retrieved from https://patientengagementhit.com/news/programs-targeting-socialdeterminants-of-health-improve-wellness

Shokouh, S. M. H., Mohammad, A. R. A. B., Emamgholipour, S., Rashidian, A., Montazeri, A., & Zaboli, R. (2017). Conceptual models of social determinants of health: a narrative review. Iranian journal of public health, 46(4), 435.