Final answer:
Some of the social determinants of health include social status, access to health care, education, income, employment, social support, and lifestyle behaviors like diet and exercise. These conditions shape individual health outcomes and existing healthcare disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social determinants of health are conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Factors such as social status, stress levels, and access to health care play a significant role in a person's health. For instance, those with lower social status often experience high stress due to a lack of control and predictability in their lives such as greater unemployment and resource inequality including less access to health care and community resources.
Educational attainment, income level, and occupation also contribute significantly to health outcomes and are linked with risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. Behavioral choices like diet, physical activity, and smoking are influenced by one's socioeconomic environment. Moreover, strong social support has been proven to be a crucial determinant of health, increasing individual survival rates significantly.
Psychosocial needs must also be met for optimal health, including the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. Lastly, societal arrangements and human activities inevitably shape health outcomes, highlighting the critical need for health-promoting social conditions. Therefore, addressing social determinants is fundamental for improving health and reducing long-standing disparities in health and healthcare.