Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect health, functioning, and quality of life. They include economic stability, education, healthcare access, neighborhood environment, and social context.

Research shows social determinants account for 30–55% of health outcomes. For Black Americans, inequitable access to stable employment, quality housing, healthy food, safe neighborhoods, and quality education, driven by decades of discriminatory policies, translates directly into worse health outcomes.