The Importance of Health Determinants

• Post by: Brian W
• January 16, 2022
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Health determinants are conditions in the environment into which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

Resources that enhance quality of life can have a significant influence on population health outcomes. Examples of these resources include safe and affordable housing, access to education, public safety, exercise, availability of healthy foods, local emergency/health services, and environments free of life-threatening toxins.

The Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are a major priority for the healthcare industry, especially at this time. With current costs in the trillions, these non-clinical issues encompass physical and behavioral well-being for individuals and populations, impacting as much as 80% of healthcare outcomes.

Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Conditions (e.g., social, economic, and physical) in these various environments and settings (e.g., school, church, workplace, and neighborhood) have been referred to as “place.” In addition to the more material attributes of “place,” the patterns of social engagement and sense of security and well-being are also affected by where people live.

Knowing which determinants are key to a given individual, based on their unique circumstances can have a significant influence on fostering better health outcomes.

The Health Science Index, using either the General Wellness Edition, or the other editions can assess and track each users unique set of determinants, and guide them to a healthier, happier life.