Social Determinants of Health Watch Preview

Introductory Message: Social Determinants of Health

Health is shaped by far more than what happens inside the clinic or hospital. While medical care is essential, a person’s ability to achieve good health is deeply influenced by the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, learn, work, worship, and age. These conditions are known as the Social Determinants of Health, or SDOH.

Social determinants of health include factors such as housing stability, education, employment, income, transportation, food access, neighborhood safety, social support, language access, health insurance, and exposure to discrimination or structural barriers. These factors can either protect health or create significant obstacles to wellness.

For healthcare professionals, understanding SDOH is essential because patients do not experience illness in isolation. A patient with uncontrolled diabetes may also be struggling with food insecurity. A patient who misses appointments may lack transportation. A patient with worsening asthma may live in unsafe housing with mold exposure. A patient who does not follow a treatment plan may not be refusing care but may be unable to afford medications or understand instructions because of language or health literacy barriers.

This lesson introduces learners to the foundational concepts of social determinants of health and explains why they are central to clinical care, public health, health equity, and patient outcomes. It will challenge learners to move beyond asking, “What disease does this patient have?” and begin asking, “What conditions are shaping this patient’s ability to be healthy?”

By the end of this lesson, learners should understand that addressing SDOH is not separate from good medical care. It is a critical part of providing patient-centered, equitable, and effective healthcare.