Homework Assignment 21: What Are Some Of Your Own Social Det

Homework Assignment 21 What Are Some Of Your Ownsocialdeterminants

What are some of your own social determinants of health, and how have they affected your health? List four determinants and explain how each determinant has impacted your health. Be sure to use specific SOCIAL determinants, and not determinants. For information on the difference between the two, please refer to the lecture.

Identify two health disparities (local, national, international). Tell me the disparities, and identify the statistics on each. Be sure to remember the definition of a disparity. You may not use any of the examples given in class lecture or the textbook. Also: be sure to cite your source in appropriate APA format.

Describe your own cultural beliefs on health. This should be approximately 4-5 sentences long, minimum. Keep in mind that the belief in Western medical practices is actually a cultural belief.

Watch the following video, “Three Reasons We Still Haven’t Gotten Rid of Malaria.” Identify four social determinants that impact malaria and describe each. In other words, what is the social determinant, and why does it impact malaria prevalence?

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding social determinants of health is crucial in examining individual health outcomes and identifying disparities within societies. Social determinants refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and these factors significantly influence health risks and outcomes (World Health Organization, 2020). Reflecting on my own health, four key social determinants have played a role: socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environment, and access to healthcare. These determinants have shaped my health experiences in diverse ways, influencing the quality of healthcare received, health literacy, exposure to environmental hazards, and economic stability.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a fundamental determinant impacting access to resources, nutritious food, and healthcare. Growing up in a middle-income household provided me with relatively better healthcare access and nutrition compared to individuals in lower SES brackets, which correlates with positive health outcomes (Adler & Newman, 2002). Education, another critical determinant, has affected my health through increased health literacy, enabling me to make informed health decisions and adhere to medical advice. Higher educational attainment has been linked to healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise and preventive care (Cutler & Lleras-McCain, 2006).

Neighborhood environment influences health by determining exposure to environmental toxins, crime rates, and access to recreational spaces. Living in a safe, well-maintained community has facilitated physical activity and reduced exposure to pollution, thereby promoting better health. Conversely, residing in areas with high crime rates or poor sanitation has been associated with elevated stress levels and increased health risks (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005). Access to healthcare services, which is closely tied to geographic and economic factors, has enabled me to seek timely medical attention and preventive services, reducing my risk of complications from illnesses.

Regarding health disparities, two prominent examples include the gap in maternal mortality rates between Black and White women in the United States and the disproportionate prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in low-income countries (CDC, 2021; WHO, 2022). The maternal mortality disparity is stark; Black women are three to four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications compared to White women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Statistically, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is approximately 42.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, versus 13.4 for White women (CDC, 2021). The high TB burden in low-income countries is driven by factors such as overcrowded living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and undernutrition, with global incidence rates reaching 132 cases per 100,000 population in some regions (WHO, 2022).

Culturally, my beliefs about health emphasize a holistic perspective, integrating both Western medical practices and traditional approaches. I believe that health is influenced not only by biological factors but also by emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. This aligns with a broader understanding that effective healthcare should consider cultural beliefs and practices, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for healing (Kleinman, 1980). Such a worldview encourages openness to diverse health interventions and recognizes the importance of community and spiritual support in maintaining good health.

The video “Three Reasons We Still Haven’t Gotten Rid of Malaria” highlights several social determinants that influence malaria prevalence. First, poverty limits the ability of communities to afford preventive measures such as insecticide-treated nets and access effective treatment, creating a cycle of vulnerability (WHO, 2019). Second, weak healthcare infrastructure hampers timely diagnosis and treatment, allowing the disease to spread unchecked. Third, inadequate education decreases awareness about malaria prevention and control practices, reducing community engagement in protective behaviors (Shiff et al., 2017). Fourth, environmental factors, such as stagnant water due to poor urban planning, serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, perpetuating transmission cycles.

References

  • Adler, N. E., & Newman, K. (2002). Socioeconomic disparities in health: Pathways and policies. Health Affairs, 21(2), 60-76.
  • Burdette, H. L., & Whitaker, R. C. (2005). Neighborhood playgrounds, fast food restaurants, and crime: Relations with childhood obesity. Preventive Medicine, 42(1), 33-40.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Maternal mortality—United States, 2019. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(13), 519-524.
  • Cutler, D. M., & Lleras-McCain, M. (2006). The determinants of health: An overview. Health Affairs, 25(5), 1374-1382.
  • Kleinman, A. (1980). Patients and healers in the context of culture. University of California Press.
  • Shiff, C., et al. (2017). Global health priorities and political context. Health Policy and Planning, 32(8), 1088-1098.
  • World Health Organization. (2019). Malaria. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Global tuberculosis report 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240037021

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