Social Determinants of Health and What they Impact
Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that affect the well-being and health of individuals. These include the conditions that individuals are born in, reside in, and conditions that shape our day-to-day lives. Income and education, more specifically, have been shown to have large impacts on health. Income affects economic stability which has been shown to have a large impact on health. 1 in 10 people live in poverty and are unable to afford access to medical necessities in the United States. This includes items such as healthy foods, healthcare, and even housing (Healthy People 2030). Additionally, individuals with disabilities, injuries, or other medical conditions that interfere with their ability to do work may have more difficulty finding and keeping employment which therefore affects their income and economic status. Another related social determinant of health is education access. Those with higher levels of education are more likely to be healthier and have longer lives. Children from low income families oftentimes do not have access to higher educational pursuits and therefore are less likely to get safe, high-paying jobs which then affects their economic stability and ability to afford medical necessities.
Many additional studies have also shown the connection between economic instability and mental health. Studies on the Great Depression have shown that when the global economic downturn occured, the widespread poverty caused anxiety and depression (Times of India). Due to the widespread poverty, those struggling with mental health could also not afford appropriate care or mental health services. Additionally, studies have shown the impact between the economic downturn during COVID-19 and its impact on mental health. A survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that symptoms of anxiety were three times higher and symptoms of depression were four times higher during the pandemic (Times of India). The recognition of the impacts of social determinants such as income/economic status as well as education on health and mental health is allowing for new avenues and solutions to be created, to promote health literacy and mental health for all.
By Devangi Rathi