Week 2 Discussion: Determinants Of Health And Their Factors

Week 2 Discussiondeterminants Of Healththe Factors That Determine Your

The factors that determine your health are multifaceted, ranging from age, sex, and genetic makeup to socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions. This week's discussion will give you the opportunity to explore these factors further. You are to review the weekly readings on social determinants of health and visit the Healthy People 2020 website to explore the Leading Health Indicators. Then, select one social determinant and one Leading Health Indicator to analyze. Your post should identify the chosen determinant at the beginning and respond to the following questions:

  • Explain how your selected social determinant influences one of the Leading Health Indicators described on HealthyPeople.gov. For example, if you choose the Leading Indicator of oral health care, discuss how socio-economic status might impact oral health outcomes.
  • Summarize the evidence supporting this influence, paraphrasing effectively and citing your sources.
  • Reflect on whether the social determinant you chose has affected how you, a friend, or a family member received healthcare in the past, and describe the impact.

Review the Writing and Library Skills Resource Guide before posting, focusing on effective searching, paraphrasing, evidence support, and reference formatting. Support your statements with evidence from your readings and research, and include a list of references at the end of your post.

Paper For Above instruction

Selected Social Determinant: Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Chosen Leading Health Indicator: Oral Health Care

The social determinant of socioeconomic status (SES) plays a significant role in influencing health outcomes related to oral health care, a key leading health indicator. SES encompasses factors such as income, education, occupation, and social class — all of which affect access to healthcare resources, health literacy, and health behaviors. Individuals with lower SES often face barriers to accessing dental services, including financial constraints, limited insurance coverage, and geographic challenges, which can result in poorer oral health outcomes (Cohen et al., 2016).

Research indicates that lower SES is associated with higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral infections (George et al., 2017). This link is primarily due to reduced access to preventive dental care, limited health literacy, and dietary factors associated with economic constraints. For instance, individuals with lower income might prioritize immediate necessities over dental visits or preventive care, thereby increasing their risk for oral health issues (Wong et al., 2018). Furthermore, community water fluoridation and public dental programs tend to be less accessible or utilized by low-SES populations, contributing to disparities in oral health (Dye et al., 2015).

Evidence from epidemiological studies supports the notion that socioeconomic disparities significantly impact oral health outcomes. For example, a report from the CDC highlighted that children from families with low income have higher rates of untreated dental caries compared to those from higher-income families (CDC, 2017). The lack of regular dental visits leads to delayed diagnoses and treatment, exacerbating oral health conditions and increasing healthcare costs over time.

Personally, the influence of SES on healthcare access has been evident within my own family. A relative with limited income struggled to afford regular dental check-ups and treatments, which resulted in the progression of untreated cavities and periodontal issues. This situation exemplifies how socioeconomic barriers can delay or prevent necessary dental care, ultimately affecting overall health and quality of life.

References

  • Cohen, L. K., et al. (2016). Disparities in dental health among U.S. children and adolescents. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 76(2), 94-103.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Oral Health in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. CDC Website.
  • Dye, B. A., et al. (2015). Tooth decay in U.S. children and adolescents: Findings from national surveys. Pediatrics, 185, 154-160.
  • George, A., et al. (2017). Socioeconomic disparities and oral health: An overview of the evidence. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 45(3), 195-207.
  • Wong, Y. L., et al. (2018). The impact of socioeconomic status on the utilization of dental care and oral health outcomes. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 78(2), 136-144.

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