1.3 Explain the impact of social determinants on: • an individual’s health and wellbeing • communities.

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Explain the impact of social determinants on: • an individual’s health and wellbeing • communities.

Social determinants are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors shape an individual’s and a community’s health and wellbeing. Social determinants include education, employment, income, housing, and access to healthcare. Understanding their impact is crucial for providing better care in health and social settings. In this guide, we will look at how these factors influence individuals and communities.

Individual Health and Wellbeing

Social determinants heavily influence a person’s mental, emotional, and physical state. These factors often play a larger role in someone’s health than genetic predisposition or personal choices. Below are key social determinants and how they impact individuals:

Education

People with higher levels of education generally have better health outcomes.
Education improves literacy, which helps individuals understand health information.
Poor educational attainment may limit job prospects, reducing income and access to good healthcare.

For example, someone with limited education might not fully grasp instructions on medication, leading to misuse or non-compliance. This can directly affect their recovery or management of illnesses.

Employment and Working Conditions

Secure, fair-paying jobs contribute to better mental and physical health.
Unemployment or insecure jobs (e.g., zero-hour contracts) can lead to stress and anxiety.
Poor workplace environments with risks like long hours or exposure to harmful substances can cause injuries or illnesses.

For instance, a person in manual labour without proper safety equipment may suffer long-term injuries, which reduce their ability to work further or maintain a good quality of life.

Income

Higher income often provides access to healthier food, safer housing, and private healthcare services.
Low income is linked to poor nutrition, increased stress, and limited healthcare access.
Limited financial resources can force individuals to prioritise immediate costs, such as rent, over health needs.

A practical example would be someone on a tight budget choosing cheaper but less nutritious food, resulting in issues like obesity or malnutrition.

Housing Conditions

Safe and good-quality housing improves health. Housing issues such as damp, mould, or overcrowding contribute to respiratory issues or mental health crises.
Homelessness severely impacts physical and mental wellbeing.
Living in dangerous neighbourhoods increases stress and the risk of injury.

For instance, children growing up in damp homes are more likely to develop asthma, creating long-term health challenges.

Social Connections

Strong social networks (family, friends, or community groups) often lead to better emotional and mental health.
Isolation or loneliness has been linked to depression and even physical health issues like heart disease.
People with weak support networks may struggle to manage stress or access practical care support.

A single parent without a network of friends or family to provide childcare may miss health appointments, which can negatively affect both their own health and that of their children.

Access to Healthcare

Living in areas with good healthcare facilities improves access to treatments and preventive care.
Rural or deprived areas with limited resources often lack quick and effective services.
Financial barriers, like prescription charges, may discourage individuals from seeking medical help.

Someone who lives in a rural village with no regular bus service might not attend GP check-ups, resulting in late diagnoses of chronic conditions.

Communities

Social determinants also affect entire communities. They can create wide health inequalities, with some groups thriving while others struggle. Below are broader community impacts:

Inequalities in Health

Communities in deprived areas often have lower life expectancy and poor health.
Lack of investment in healthcare services, schools, or housing widens gaps between socio-economic groups.
Generational poverty can normalise poor health conditions.

For example, a deprived area with limited educational resources may see higher teenage pregnancy rates, linked to lower family income and fewer future opportunities.

Employment Opportunities

Communities with plentiful job opportunities are healthier and more stable.
High unemployment in certain areas contributes to poverty, crime, and poor health.
Youth unemployment is a key factor in antisocial behaviour patterns.

An example would be a former industrial town where factory closures led to mass unemployment. Such areas often experience spikes in substance misuse and mental health issues.

Environment and Housing

Poor urban planning—like a lack of green spaces or playgrounds—results in less physical activity and poorer mental health.
Overcrowded housing leads to higher instances of infectious diseases.
Communities with large homeless populations handle higher care demands due to substance misuse and mental illness.

For instance, a city estate with insufficient parks and leisure facilities may see a rise in obesity and related health conditions like diabetes.

Access to Health and Social Care

Disparities in health and social care funding create geographical differences in service quality.
Rural or neglected communities may face long waits for healthcare or lack access to services.
Inadequate public transport further isolates communities from necessary resources.

For example, individuals in remote areas might struggle to reach counselling or addiction services, perpetuating cycles of poor mental health.

Crime and Safety

High crime rates negatively affect community wellbeing.
Fear of crime limits outdoor activity and fosters chronic stress.
Unsafe neighbourhoods often attract fewer economic investments, perpetuating decline.

Communities battling gang violence or theft often struggle to build positive health outcomes, as stress and injury rates increase.

Social Cohesion

A sense of community encourages cooperation and mutual support.
Detached or fragmented neighbourhoods often lack communal care systems.
Social stigma surrounding issues like addiction hinders collective solutions.

For example, a well-connected community with active clubs and events might see lower levels of loneliness and better health indicators across the population.

Ways to Address Social Determinants

Social determinants are not easily solved, but targeted efforts can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Common strategies include:

Providing free, quality education to increase opportunities.
Increasing access to affordable healthcare through reforms such as NHS outreach services.
Developing housing programmes to ensure safe living conditions.
Investing in communities through job creation and safety initiatives.

Health and social care workers should advocate for these changes while working directly with affected individuals.