Social Determinants

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Social determinants of health are conditions in the environment where people live, learn, work, play, worship and age.  Put more simply, the social environment in which we live can influence our health outcomes.

Examples include:

  • Safe housing you can afford
  • Local food markets
  • Access to health care services
  • Education and job training
  • Availability of community-based resources
  • Transportation options
  • Public safety
  • Social support
  • Language/literacy
  • Culture
  • Access to cell phones, the Internet, or social media
  • Poverty and stress

Below are the main categories of the Social Determinants of Health:

Social Determinants of Health diagram

According to the World Health Organization, the poorest of the poor, around the world, have the worst health.  Health outcomes are determined by more than biological factors or access to quality health care. Social determinants of health acknowledge that the environmental conditions present in a community can have a significant impact on the health of our Members.

Resources that improve the 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, availability of healthy foods, local emergency/health services, and environments free of life-threatening toxins.

Colorado Equity Compass

Colorado Equity Compass (CEC) is an organization committed to giving Colorado communities information, data and stories they can use to improve their health equity. Learn more at Colorado Equity Compass.

Click on Social Determinants of Health for more information.