Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Development

What are social determinants of community health and development? 2

Social determinants of community health and development issues are the social factors that determine and influence the issues. 3

The three overarching factors are: Economic inequality Social connectedness Sense of efficacy

The ways they most often play out are in: Differences in exposure Differences in vulnerability Differences in consequences for different populations. 5

More specific social determinants can include: Racial and ethnic bias. Cultural differences. Media influences. Politics. Living conditions. Geography. 6

Why address social determinants of community health and development? If you want to solve or prevent a problem for the long term, you have to deal with its root causes. If you address the root causes, you’re more likely to successfully address the issue for the short term as well. The social factors involved may have more resonance for those affected than the issue itself.

Why address social determinants of community health and development? It may be easier to approach an issue through its underlying social factors than to deal with it directly.  Addressing the social determinants of community issues is crucial to understanding them fully, so that your strategy and tactics for dealing with them correspond to reality. Addressing social determinants presents a tremendous opportunity for learning and community leadership development. 

Who should address social determinants of community health and development? Those affected by the issues (the targets of change). Those who can have an effect on the issues (the agents of change). Staff members from organizations that work directly with the target population and/or the issue. Respected community leaders and citizens. Those who will be asked to change, sacrifice, or take action in order to address the issue. Anyone else who has a stake in the issue.

When should you address social determinants of community health and development? When it’s clear that simply focusing on the issue isn’t enough. When you’re advocating for changes in laws, policies, or funding. When you’re seeking fundamental change. When you’re seeking a long-term solution to a long-term problem. When your focus is on community wellness and prevention.

How do you identify social determinants of community health and development? You assess the community You ask people who know. You apply critical thinking principles to the issue. You ask the right questions.

How do you address social determinants of health and community development?

You work to address larger social factors through environmental and policy conditions, including: Knowledge and skills Support within and between groups Modification of access to, barriers to, and opportunities for resources and services Consequences of actions Exposure to or protection from hazards Policy change

You’re guided by basic principles: People most affected should choose the issues and plan strategies for the work. True change in social determinants demands comprehensive interventions that address multiple and interrelated factors at multiple levels. Collaborative efforts should aim at bringing about change in multiple sectors and systems. Support organizations should build capacity in the community to control its own fate.

You’re guided by basic principles: Health and development efforts should involve collaborative partners as catalysts for change. Strategies should be self-sufficient and sustainable over the long term. Efforts should be aimed at goals that can be accomplished by the people in question with the resources at hand. Successes should be consolidated and maintained, so that new and greater challenges can be taken on. Efforts should continue indefinitely.