Name Three Social Determinants Found In National

Name Three Social Determinants That Can Be Found In National Databases

Name three social determinants that can be found in national databases. Identify which national database you would use to locate those social determinants. Of the three social determinants you named, which do you believe would be the most preventable? Explain your response.

Paper For Above instruction

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors significantly influence individual and community health outcomes. Among these, education, socioeconomic status, and housing are some of the most commonly documented in national databases, which serve as vital tools for public health planning and intervention efforts. This paper explores these three social determinants, identifies specific national databases for their assessment, and discusses which determinant might be most preventable through targeted policy and community initiatives.

Education is a key social determinant, influencing health literacy, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare resources. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is a primary database that provides comprehensive data on school enrollments, graduation rates, and educational attainment levels across the United States. Another significant database is the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which collects data on health-related risk behaviors, including the impact of education levels on health outcomes.

Socioeconomic status (SES), encompassing income, occupation, and educational attainment, profoundly affects access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe living conditions. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) offers detailed socioeconomic data at local, state, and national levels. Additionally, the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps database compiles socioeconomic indicators correlated with health outcomes, allowing public health officials to identify disparities rooted in SES.

Housing stability and quality are also critical determinants that influence physical and mental health. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains the American Housing Survey (AHS), which provides data on housing conditions, affordability, and homelessness. This database helps policymakers understand housing-related barriers impacting health and evaluate interventions aimed at improving housing stability.

Among these determinants, I believe education is the most preventable. Education disparities are largely influenced by policy decisions, funding allocations, and community programs that can be addressed through targeted efforts. Improving access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities, can lead to better health knowledge, increased employment opportunities, and improved socioeconomic conditions, thereby reducing health disparities over time. Initiatives such as expanding funding for primary and secondary education, supporting adult education programs, and enhancing school infrastructure can significantly improve educational outcomes. By addressing education upfront, communities can create a ripple effect that positively impacts healthcare access, employment, and overall health, making it a highly preventable determinant.

References

• National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). [Data set]. U.S. Department of Education.
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). American Community Survey. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2022). American Housing Survey. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2020). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Retrieved from https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Social determinants of health. WHO Publications.
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