Unit 4 Discussion
Topic 1: Read the required reading. Review the Determinants of Health website and view the short video and content.
For this discussion you will identify and define determinants of health for an individual or family population at risk including social, environmental and global factors as applicable. How you approach the discussion is your choice. You may choose a condition or topic first then elaborate from there, while including the population characteristics and determinants of health. Alternatively you may choose to define a specific population, such as rural Appalachian single mothers, and then address risks and the determinants of health.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to incorporate discussions that broaden the knowledge and understanding of my students. In this discussion, we will delve into the determinants of health and explore how they impact individuals and populations.
Answer:
The determinants of health are a wide range of factors that contribute to a person’s overall health status. These determinants are categorized into social, environmental, and global factors. Social determinants include income, education, cultural beliefs, and social support networks. Environmental determinants include air and water quality, housing, and access to green spaces. While global determinants include economic policies, trade agreements, and the availability of healthcare services.
For example, a family living in a low-income urban area may have limited access to healthy food options due to the lack of grocery stores in their area. They may also live in a neighborhood with infrastructure that negatively impacts their overall health, such as poor air quality or inadequate housing conditions. Additionally, the lack of access to quality healthcare services, low education levels, and limited social and emotional support networks can contribute to the family’s overall health status.
It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize the impact of these determinants of health on individuals and populations. By understanding and addressing these factors, healthcare professionals can improve the health outcomes of their patients and communities.
