Explain The Five Focus Areas Under The Social Determinants Of Health

Inequalities in the human condition, specifically health, is something that has always plagued our society. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the conditions that a person is born into, grows, lives, work and ages as the social determinants of health. These conditions have a significant impact on the trajectory of ones quality of life; both from a physical and emotional aspect. The five focus areas under the social determinants of health include economic stability, education, social and community context, health and health care, and lastly neighborhood and built environment. These inter-connected conditions can have dire consequences on large populations of people.
The first area is extremely important because it tackles issues
like poverty, food security, stable housing and even access to employment. The second area focuses on all aspects of education. It includes early childhood development, literacy, language, completion of high school, and matriculation to higher education. The third area addresses issues of social and community context. It takes up issues such as equality, discrimination, and rates of incarceration. The fourth area focuses on one’s ability to access quality health care. In addition to how well informed one is on health related issues and being informed enough to make healthy lifestyle choices. Finally the last area focuses one’s physical environment such as a clean, healthy neighborhood free of trash and rodents. It also addresses violence and crime. Those working to address these determinants are trying to holistically address the numerous challenges and barriers that prevent people from living healthy lives.