You hear a lot about how your genetics and lifestyle affect your health. Maybe a lot of people in your family have diabetes, so you might be at higher risk. Or you may try to get regular physical activity because you know it’s good for your health.
But the social, financial and environmental conditions in which you live and work — called social determinants of health (SDOH) — can also impact your well-being.
“Social determinants of health are the conditions in the communities where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age. These things affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes and risks,” said Jason Leubner, MD, a family medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine. “These factors can either support good health or increase the risk of chronic diseases. Recognizing these influences is important for improving your health and well-being.”
In fact, SDOH may impact more than 80% of your overall health, with traditional medical care only responsible for 10 to 20%. And they can start impacting the health of a baby before birth since their effect on the mother directly affects the baby.
What are social determinants of health?
SDOH, also known as health-related social needs, include things like access to nutritious food, safe housing, reliable transportation, employment and social support. Here’s how they can affect you.
Access to healthy food
Healthy eating is important for your overall well-being and for preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Unfortunately, you may live in a food desert, where it’s hard to find healthy, affordable food options.
If you’re struggling to access nutritious food, look for local food banks and pantries, community gardens or meal programs that provide affordable or free options. If you have children, check to see if their schools offer free or reduced-cost breakfast, lunch or summer meals.
Safe and affordable housing
Good-quality, dependable housing is key for your health. Poor housing conditions, like mold or overcrowding, can cause breathing issues and other health problems. A stable, safe home helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
If you need help finding housing that fits your budget, local affordable housing resources or nonprofit organizations may be able to help. You may also qualify for government programs that help with rent or utility expenses.
Transportation
Transportation is important for accessing health care and other things you need. “If you don’t have reliable, efficient transportation, you can have problems getting to and keeping your medical appointments and treatments,” Dr. Leubner said. You may also struggle to get to work or the grocery store.
If you don’t have transportation you can count on, check into resources in your community. Many offer low-cost public transit, medical transportation services or rideshare programs that help you get to appointments and other places.
Employment and financial stability
When you have a good job, it gives you the money you need to pay for food, medications, medical appointments and housing. It may also give you benefits like health insurance.
If you’re looking for employment or need help with job training, consider visiting local employment centers or nonprofit organizations that can help.
Social support and community networks
Strong social connections are linked to better mental and physical health. When you have a good support network, you may feel less lonely and stressed and you’ll have people you can lean on during tough times.
If you don’t have strong connections with family and friends, you may want to join local clubs, support groups, volunteer associations or community organizations to build relationships and find a sense of belonging.
Literacy and education
If you can’t read well or you haven’t been able to complete much schooling, you may not be able to understand your medications or treatment plans.
It may help to ask your health care team to clearly explain things to you. If you need to catch up on school, look into community resources for literacy and continuing education. Many areas offer free or low-cost courses and you may also be able to take online classes.
Exposure to violence and crime
If you live in a violent or dangerous home or neighborhood, it makes an impact on your physical and mental health. You may not feel safe exercising outdoors or going out after dark, or you may not even feel safe in your own home.
If you believe you or your children are victims of abuse, you can reach out to local organizations or the National Domestic Violence Hotline. While exposure to crime is hard to control, you can limit access to guns and talk to health care providers about the challenges you face.
How social factors can affect your health
“Social determinants of health can impact almost any medical condition you can have,” Dr. Leubner said. People with SDOH barriers are more likely to be injured or get illnesses like the flu.
“Every chronic condition, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, COPD and mental health disorders, has negative short- and long-term outcomes for people with SDOH barriers,” he said.
Connecting with local resources
Addressing social factors can make a big difference in your health. But it’s not easy and it’s not something you have to do on your own.
Wherever you live in the U.S., you can call 211 or visit www.211.org to connect with local and national organizations that may be able to help, with full confidentiality.
“Hospitals and clinics are learning how to connect patients to various community resources as well. Many health care organizations have case management and social work teams that may be able to help,” Dr. Leubner said.
Your health care provider may ask you questions about your SDOH as part of their regular care. “This information helps them understand the barriers you might face so they can take them into consideration when they create a care plan and recommendations,” Dr. Leubner said.
“Health care teams want to make sure their treatment plans will be successful, so understanding whether you might have problems affording your medications, understanding your treatment plan and completing follow-up visits is essential,” he said.
You might not be used to being asked about your home, job, transportation, housing or neighborhood. “Don’t be surprised to see more hospitals and clinics asking questions about SDOH elements in the future,” Dr. Leubner said.
Taking an active role in your health is important. Talk to your health care provider about how SDOH may affect your well-being. They can offer advice and connect you with community health resources that can help improve your health and quality of life.
The bottom line
Social determinants of health may feel like they are outside of your control but there are ways to address them and improve your well-being. Start by connecting with 211, exploring local resources and asking for the support you need.
Banner Health is here to help you overcome your challenges. Contact an Banner Health provider to learn more about resources in your community and how we can help you take charge of your health.
