Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors can significantly influence individuals' health outcomes by affecting their access to healthcare services, quality of care received, and overall health status. For instance, factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environment, and social support networks can create barriers to accessing healthcare or can lead to differences in how effectively individuals manage their health conditions.
Patients from disadvantaged backgrounds may struggle to find affordable care or experience delays in treatment due to financial limitations or lack of transportation. Additionally, education level can impact a patient's understanding of health information, leading to varying degrees of engagement in their own health management. Thus, recognizing and addressing these social determinants is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure equitable treatment and improve health outcomes for all patients.