View Your Initial Post And Introduction Discussion

Eview Your Initial Post Your Introduction Discussion Posting And Addre

Eview your initial post your introduction discussion posting and address the following: Indicate if your answers have changed. Why or why not? Explain what you have learned about social and biological determinants and their impact on health that you did not know before this course. Explain what you have learned about social inequalities and social justice that you did not know before this course. Summarize how you will use what you have learned in this course in your future academic and career endeavors.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout this course, my understanding of social and biological determinants of health has significantly deepened, leading me to reevaluate my initial perceptions and responses about these factors. Initially, I believed that health outcomes were primarily influenced by individual lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions. However, the course illuminated how social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environment, and access to healthcare play crucial roles in shaping health outcomes across populations.

My answers have indeed changed as I have come to appreciate the systemic and structural influences on health. For example, I previously thought that health disparities were mainly due to personal behavior, but I now recognize that social determinants create barriers that prevent equitable health opportunities. These determinants can include socioeconomic inequality, racial discrimination, and limited healthcare access, which often perpetuate health disparities among marginalized communities.

One key learning was the profound impact of social determinants on biological health outcomes. Factors like chronic stress due to social inequality can lead to physiological changes that increase the risk of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This connection between social environment and biological health was eye-opening, emphasizing that health is not solely an individual issue but intertwined with societal structures.

Regarding social inequalities and social justice, I learned that disparities in health often mirror broader societal inequalities related to race, class, and gender. I was unaware of the extent to which social injustice perpetuates health inequities and how societal policies can either mitigate or exacerbate these issues. Understanding social justice as an ethical framework for addressing health disparities has deepened my commitment to advocating for equitable health policies and practices.

This course has also highlighted the importance of social justice in public health initiatives. I now recognize that promoting health equity requires systemic change, including policy reforms, community engagement, and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. Social justice efforts aim to dismantle structural barriers and create environments where all individuals have equal opportunities to achieve optimal health.

In my future academic pursuits and career endeavors, I plan to apply this knowledge by prioritizing health equity in my work. Whether working in healthcare, public policy, or community health education, I will advocate for policies that address social determinants and reduce health disparities. I aim to incorporate an understanding of social justice principles into program development and implementation, ensuring that marginalized populations are active participants in health-related decision-making processes.

Furthermore, I intend to continue educating myself about social determinants and justice issues, staying informed about community-specific needs and effective interventions. By applying an equity-focused perspective, I hope to contribute to efforts that promote healthier, more equitable societies and improve health outcomes for all, especially those most vulnerable to social and economic disadvantages.

References

  • Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It's time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19-31.
  • Commission on Social Determinants of Health. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. WHO Report.
  • Graham, H. (2004). Social determinants and their unequal distribution: Clarifying policy understanding. International Journal of Health Services, 34(3), 597–611.
  • Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2005). Social sources of racial disparities in health. Health Affairs, 24(2), 325-334.
  • Solar, O., & Irwin, A. (2010). A conceptual framework for action on the social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Discussion Paper 2. WHO.
  • World Health Organization. (2013). Social determinants of health: The solid facts. WHO Press.
  • Kawachi, I., & Berkman, L. (2003). Neighborhoods and health. Oxford University Press.
  • Hernández, D., et al. (2019). Addressing social determinants of health to improve health equity. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S4), S229–S235.
  • Adler, N. E., & Stead, W. (2015). Patients in context—Evolving themes in health disparities. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(8), 789-791.
  • Areán, P. A. (2017). Social determinants of mental health: The importance of community and societal context. Psychiatric Services, 68(4), 357-359.

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