What do "social determinants of health" refer to?

"Social determinants of health" refer to the broad range of conditions that influence an individual's health throughout their life. These conditions encompass where people are born, grow, live, work, and age, highlighting the importance of societal context and environment in determining health outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, social support networks, and community safety play critical roles in shaping an individual's access to resources and overall well-being.

Understanding social determinants of health is vital for EMTs and other healthcare professionals because it emphasizes that health is not solely dependent on clinical factors or personal behaviors, but also on the circumstances in which people find themselves. By recognizing these determinants, healthcare providers can better address the needs of patients, advocate for health equity, and implement interventions that consider the whole person and their environment. This holistic approach can lead to improved patient care, as it acknowledges the underlying social factors that can affect health and healthcare access.