Understanding the Impact of Social Determinants on Health Equity and Nutrition

eimearmartin13
Nov 12
3 min read

Health is shaped by more than just biology and medical care. The conditions in which people live, work, and grow up play a crucial role in determining their well-being. These conditions, known as the social determinants of health, influence not only overall health outcomes but also nutrition, which is a key factor in preventing disease and promoting wellness.

What Are the Social Determinants of Health?

Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that affect health outcomes. They include:

Income and social status
Employment and working conditions
Education and literacy
Childhood experiences
Physical environment
Social support networks

Each of these factors can either support good health or contribute to poor health, depending on their quality and accessibility.

How Social Determinants Influence Health and Nutrition

Income and social status determine access to nutritious food and healthcare services. People with higher incomes can afford a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while those with lower incomes may rely on cheaper, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods. This disparity can lead to malnutrition or obesity, both of which increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Employment affects health through job security, work conditions, and income. Stable employment with fair wages supports better nutrition and access to healthcare. Conversely, precarious jobs or unemployment can cause stress, limit food choices, and reduce the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Education and literacy empower individuals to make informed health decisions. People with higher education levels are more likely to understand nutrition labels, follow dietary guidelines, and seek preventive care. Poor literacy can hinder these abilities, leading to unhealthy eating habits.

Childhood experiences shape lifelong health patterns. Children growing up in poverty or unstable environments often face food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods. Perceptions and attitudes of food formed in childhood can influence dietary and health patterns as an adult.

The physical environment includes housing quality, neighbourhood safety, and access to clean water and sanitation. Living in areas with limited grocery stores or unsafe outdoor spaces restricts opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity.

Social support networks provide emotional and practical help. Strong community ties can encourage healthy behaviours, share resources, and reduce stress, all of which contribute to better nutrition and health. The WHO have recently released a report detailing the protective effects of social connection across the lifespan (2).

The Unequal Burden of Poor Health

Health inequities arise when social determinants create unfair differences in health outcomes between groups. Poorer populations consistently experience worse health than wealthier ones (1). For example:

Life expectancy differs by 18 years between high- and low-income countries.
In 2016, most of the 15 million premature deaths from non-communicable diseases occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Within countries, gaps in diseases like cancer have widened between poorer and richer groups.
The under-5 mortality rate in Africa is more than eight times higher than in Europe, with slower improvements among the poorest children.

These disparities are not random. They result from policies, social norms, and structures that limit opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Addressing Social Determinants to Improve Health Equity

Improving health equity requires action across all sectors of society:

Government can create policies that reduce poverty, improve education, and ensure access to healthy food and safe environments. Policy coherence is essential where all sectors have the ability to compliment each other.
Private sector can support fair wages, safe working conditions, and corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on community health.
Civil society (eg. NGOs) organizations can advocate for vulnerable populations, provide education, and build social support networks.
Strengthen education of health literacy and health concepts so children have an understanding of healthy lifestyles.

Efforts to improve nutrition must consider these broader social factors. For example, programs that provide food assistance combined with education about healthy eating and community gardens can help overcome barriers caused by income and environment.

Practical Steps to Support Health Through Social Determinants

Increase access to affordable, nutritious food in low-income neighbourhoods through subsidies or mobile markets.
Promote education programs that include nutrition literacy for all ages.
Improve housing and neighbourhood safety to encourage outdoor physical activity.
Support employment policies that provide living wages and job security.
Foster social connections through community centres and support groups.

By addressing these factors, communities can create environments where healthy choices are easier and more accessible for everyone.

References