What it means
Health depends on more than health care. The social determinants include economic stability (income, jobs, debt), education, access to good health care, the neighborhood and environment (safe housing, transport, clean water, healthy food), and social and community connection. They explain much of the difference in health between groups of people.
For the nurse
Ask about housing, food, transport, money for medicines and safety, and refer to social work or community resources. A care plan that ignores them often fails.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SDOH |
|---|---|
| Spanish | determinante social de la salud |
| Also written | social determinants of health, SDOH, social-determinants-of-health |
Related terms
health promotion
Helping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
social worker
A professional who helps clients and families with social, emotional, financial and practical problems related to health and care.
psychosocial
Relating to a person's mind and emotions together with their relationships and place in society.