Social Factors Affecting One’s Health

The situations in which individuals are born, develop, work, live, and mature, as well as the larger collection of factors and systems determining the living standard of people is what we call the social determinants of health.

The social factors affecting one’s health refer to a broad variety of characteristics that are present in all parts of society. They are, however, distinct from healthcare or a person’s personal lifestyle choices.

Social Factors of Individual’s Health

There are five types of social factors that affect the health of an individual. The variables in each category are intertwined and frequently linked.

HEALTHCARE

This category includes a person’s healthcare access and quality. Factors under its umbrella are the following:

  • primary healthcare access
  • coverage for health insurance
  • health awareness

ECONOMIC STABILITY

The connection between a person’s income and their health is referred to as this. Consider the following factors:

  • poverty
  • employment
  • safety of food
  • stability in housing

EDUCATION

This category emphasizes the relationship between a person’s health and their access to and quality of education. Some examples are:

  • secondary schooling
  • university education
  • literacy and language
  • development of children

SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY LIFE

This category is concerned with how people live, work, enjoy, and learn, as well as how these factors affect their health. Factors such as:

  • civic involvement
  • discrimination
  • incarceration
  • circumstances in the workplace

NEIGHBORHOOD

This group looks at a person’s housing and surroundings, as well as the impact they play on their health. Indicators such as:

  • housing standard
  • transportation
  • access to nutritious foods
  • quality of water
  • criminal activity and violence