Social & Environmental Factors
Rationale & Instructions
Health is not only
determined by our genes, but also by our social and environmental factors.
Social factors are the aspects of our society and culture that affect our
well-being, such as income, education, occupation, social support,
discrimination, and access to health care. Environmental factors are the
physical and biological conditions that surround us, such as air quality, water
quality, climate change, noise, and exposure to toxins or pathogens.
Social and environmental
factors can shape our health in several ways. For example, social factors1
can influence our health behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, diet, exercise,
and stress management. People who have lower income, education, or social
support may have more barriers to adopting healthy behaviors or accessing
preventive services. They may also face more stress or discrimination that can
affect their mental and physical health. On the other hand, people who have
higher income, education, or social support may have more resources and
opportunities to engage in healthy behaviors or access quality health care.
They may also have more social capital or networks that can provide them with
emotional and practical support.
Environmental factors2,3
can also affect our health by influencing our exposure to various hazards or
benefits. For example, air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory
diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Water
contamination can cause gastrointestinal infections, such as diarrhea or
cholera. Climate change4 can alter the patterns of infectious
diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever. Noise pollution can impair hearing
and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension or
stroke. On the other hand, natural environments5 can provide
benefits for our health by enhancing our mood, cognition, and immunity. For
instance, green spaces can reduce stress and depression. Sunlight can boost
vitamin D production and bone health. Plants can filter pollutants and
allergens from the air.
Therefore, social and
environmental factors can shape our health by affecting our behavior, exposure,
and response to various determinants of health. By understanding how these
factors influence our health, we can design interventions6 that
address the root causes of health disparities and promote health equity for all
people. Some examples of these interventions are improving the living and
working conditions of low-income and marginalized groups; increasing the
availability and affordability of healthy food and water; reducing the emission
and exposure to air pollutants; enhancing the access and quality of health care
services; creating more green spaces and recreational facilities; and
empowering communities to participate in decision-making and advocacy for their
health rights.
1 Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. G. (Eds.). (2006).
Social determinants of health. Oxford University Press.
2 Lederberg, J., Shope, R. E., & Oaks Jr, S. C.
(Eds.). (1992). Emerging infections: microbial threats to health in the United
States. National Academies Press.
3 DeFries, R., Asner, G. P., & Houghton, R. A.
(2004). Ecosystems and land use change. American Geophysical Union.
4 Frumkin, H., Hess, J., Luber, G., Malilay, J., & McGeehin, M. (2008). Climate change: the public health
response. American journal of public health, 98(3), 435-445.
5 Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., De Vries, S., & Frumkin,
H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual review of public health, 35, 207-228.
6 WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health.
(2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the
social determinants of health: Commission on Social Determinants of Health
final report.
Impact of Social Factors
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(Yes/No) |
Score |
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Socio-economic status (For the 2 items below,
score 0 for yes,1 for no) |
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Income higher than poverty
level |
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Education higher than
primary level |
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Social support (For the 3 items below,
score 0 for yes, 1 for no) |
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Adequate family support |
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Adequate private
organizations (religious, charity, Foundations, NGO, etc.) support |
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Adequate government support |
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Access to healthcare (For the 2 items below,
score 0 for yes, 1 for no) |
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Adequate health insurance |
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Charity care eligibility |
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Exposure to violence (For the 3 items below,
score 1 for yes, 0 for no) |
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From domestic sources |
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From gang violence |
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From war & conflicts |
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Exposure to substance abuse
(For
the 9 items below, score 1 for yes, 0 for no) |
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Nicotine |
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Alcohol 1 |
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Marijuana |
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Sedatives |
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Stimulants |
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Opioids |
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Hallucinogens |
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Synthetics |
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Other |
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Exposure to cigarette smoke
(For
the 2 items below, score 1 for yes, 0 for no) |
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Direct |
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Indirect |
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Discrimination (For the 3 items below,
score 1 for yes, 0 for no) |
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Racial/Ethnic |
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Sexual orientation |
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Gender identity |
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Overall score |
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1 There
is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Habitual consumption of 1 drink (e.g.,
a glass of wine, a regular can/bottle of beer, a shot of hard liquor) per day
is potentially hazardous and should be scored 1.
Reminder:
Accumulated score of zero requires no further action. The user is encouraged to
discuss with a healthcare provider any line items scored as 1 and proceed with
remedial actions as appropriate. Save or print the table. All forms will reset
to blank state once the user exits the website.
"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus
Impact of Environmental Factors
|
(Yes/No) |
Score |
|
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Exposure to pollution (For the 3 items below, score 1 for yes, 0 for no) |
|
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From air |
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From water |
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From noise |
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Exposure to climate change (For the 3 items below, score 1 for
yes, 0 for no) |
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Extreme weather |
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Diseases spread via insects & pests |
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Toxic leaches |
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Access to safe and healthy (For the 3 items below, score 0 for
yes, 1 for no) |
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Food |
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Housing |
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Recreational areas |
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Overall score |
|
Reminder:
Accumulated score of zero requires no further action. The user is encouraged to
discuss with a healthcare provider any line items scored as 1 and proceed with
remedial actions as appropriate. Save or print the table. All forms will reset
to blank state once the user exits the website.
"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus