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SDOH: Impact on Communities
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the environmental conditions that directly affect personal and group differences in terms of health statuses. Hence, among the most essential and significant determinants influencing communities, economic stability, education, as well as social and community context can be distinguished ( Social determinants of health, n.d.). In fairness, the impact on SDOH is one of the priorities within the framework of improving the populations health and eliminating inequalities in the well-being of all citizens.
Firstly, economic stability and security are the cornerstones of well-being; they are especially important regarding the possibility of access to resources necessary for the quality of life. Such favorable phenomena allow people to make deliberate investments in their future, encouraging innovative ideas and strengthening interpersonal ties ( A new global, 2021). In contrast, financial instability can generate discontent among residents, further threatening political strength ( A new global, 2021). For instance, the lack of a reliable and stable income can lead to an aggravation of mental and physical illnesses, provoking the development of heart diseases, stress, or diabetes (Call, 2021). Thus, the consequence of economic factors on the populations health is particularly apparent.
Secondly, education is one of the most critical social determinants directly related to self-esteem, life expectancy, and even mortality. According to the actual data, graduates of colleges and universities have better access to healthcare systems, unlike nationals without higher education ( Improving education, 2020). Hypothetically, people can have a job with a high salary, which means they may afford high-quality products or a gym membership. In brief, the more erudite and well-read people, the less they suffer from anxiety and depression, severe diseases like diabetes and asthma, and fewer cardiovascular system problems.
Thirdly, the social context within SDOH is a link between health and situations in which people live, communicate, play, relax, work, or study. As practice shows, the social environment can determine citizens well-being, happiness, mood, worldview, and other equally meaningful moments. For example, discrimination, social isolation, or lack of support from acquaintances, friends, relatives, and close people often predicts a lower quality of life (Correa-Velez et al., 2020). Therefore, social conditions and social circles instantly impact an individual, inevitably affecting their health.
The Greatest Issue and Community Strengths and Weaknesses
According to the student, healthcare disparities in the spectrum of social determinants are one of the most serious concerns that, in the foreseeable future, may lead to disastrous consequences for the health of US residents (community). It should be emphasized that today, there is a tendency in preferences concerning providing high-quality medical care to nationals with high incomes rather than those who most need it (Shmerling, 2021). Accordingly, this circumstance threatens the well-being of the most vulnerable groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, uninsured persons, economically disadvantaged families, the elderly, and other country residents (Shmerling, 2021). Furthermore, research shows relatively low rates of medication use and full-fledged treatment among people without insurance and racial and ethnic minorities (Lu, 2019). In this case, inequality in healthcare remains a severe problem, which, by and large, is caused by stereotypes, discrimination, and labeling. As one knows, such social separation may negatively affect not only certain groups but also all members of society as a whole. Hence, in addition to compelling ethical and moral reasons, eliminating this trouble would save the US healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
Nevertheless, based on the analysis, it is necessary to highlight such strengths of the community as advanced innovations in medicine, qualified medical personnel, and a reliable research program in healthcare. Many hospitals in the region have modern equipment and technologies that allow physicians and nurses to provide care in accordance with current medical practice. In this case, highly qualified specialists focus primarily on patients, their preferences, needs, and values. American experts are actively and continuously conducting additional research, forming new care tactics, as well as improving and expanding existing knowledge about medical assistance.
Possible Solutions and Interventions
In order to workaround the identified problem, it is necessary to adhere to the following strategies. Firstly, the Department of Public Health should focus on training nurses and raising their awareness of the differences in care for a particular group of people. Secondly, to improve access to treatment, healthcare stakeholders such as nurses, doctors, or hospital managers are encouraged to promote virtual care or telemedicine ( 6 strategies, 2021). Thirdly, community leaders should consider providing additional health resources, partnering with particular organizations, drawing up special programs to improve public health, and holding special events to work with the population ( 6 examples , n.d.). Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand that implementing these aspects requires a new way of thinking about the direction of a policy and an updated system of monitoring its performance to ensure that no population group will be excluded or missed. Undoubtedly, a wide range of different initiatives and interventions could mitigate the problem while minimizing potential risks. However, these examples will be enough for a general understanding of the situation regarding the cardinal actions and decisions taken.
References
6 strategies to reduce healthcare disparities among employees & tackle top cost drivers. (2021). Health Action Council. Web.
6 examples of health disparities and potential solutions. (n.d.). The University of Southern California. Web.
A new global deal must promote economic security. (2021). United Nations. Web.
Correa-Velez, I., Green, A., Murray, K., Schweitzer, R. D., Vromans, L., Lenette, C., & Brough, M. (2020). Social context matters: Predictors of quality of life among recently arrived refugee women-at-risk living in Australia. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 18(4), 498-514.
Call, G. (2021). Acknowledging economic stability as a primary social determinant of health. Chief Healthcare Executive. Web.
Improving education to address social determinants of health. (2020). Rural Health Information Hub. Web.
Lu, W. (2019). Adolescent depression: National trends, risk factors, and healthcare disparities. American Journal of Health Behavior, 43(1), 181-194.
Shmerling, R.H. (2021). Is our healthcare system broken?. Harvard Health Publishing (HHP). Web.
Social determinants of health. (n.d.). Healthy People 2030. Web.
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