Definition

The social, economic, and physical conditions in the places where people are born and where they live, learn, work, play, and get older that can affect their health, well-being, and quality of life. Social determinants of health include factors such as education level, income, employment, housing, transportation, and access to healthy food, clean air and water, and health care services. Social determinants of health have an important effect on health outcomes, especially in certain groups of people. For example, people who cannot afford healthy food or who do not live in a safe area for exercise are more likely to have a poor diet, be physically inactive, and have obesity. This can increase their risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer. Also called SDOH.