BLOG 1: Social Determinants of Health
In the realm of healthcare, the focus has traditionally been on diagnosing and treating illnesses. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of social determinants of health (SDOH)—the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes of the population. For advanced practice nurses, understanding and addressing these determinants is crucial for providing appropriate and effective care. The environment in which people are born, grow, live, work and age are considered to be the social determinants of health, and these factors play a significant role in their overall well being (Bravemen, 2022). Non-medical factors that affect health outcomes: Economic stability : income levels, jobs, and policies can impact access to nutritious food, healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities. Education Access and Quality : This influences health literacy, which impacts a person's capabilities to navigate a health system, under...