What is the Origin of Social Determinants of Health?

The concept has its roots in public health and sociology, gaining prominence through global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) in the early 21st century. It represents a paradigm shift from a purely biomedical model of health to one that acknowledges the profound influence of social and economic structures. The term emphasizes that health is created and sustained far beyond the confines of the clinic.

What is the Mechanism of Social Determinants of Health?

These determinants influence health by shaping the physiological environment and behavioral pathways of an individual. For example, low socioeconomic status can lead to chronic stress, activating the HPA axis and causing cortisol dysregulation, thereby disrupting the entire endocrine system. Furthermore, limited access to nutritious food and safe physical activity spaces contributes to obesity and metainflammation, illustrating how social structures directly mediate hormonal and metabolic health.

Social Determinants of Health

Meaning

The complex, non-medical factors in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age that profoundly influence their health status and quality of life. These determinants include socioeconomic status, education level, neighborhood environment, physical environment, employment, and social support networks. These systemic factors often create disparities in access to care and health outcomes, fundamentally impacting an individual’s ability to maintain hormonal balance and wellness through lifestyle choices and access to endocrine specialists. Addressing these determinants is crucial for achieving health equity.