Social Determinants of Health

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Social determinants of health – a big term with an even bigger impact on the well-being of our communities – encapsulate all of the external factors that affect health and health outcomes. For example, the conditions in which a person is born, lives, and works all influence health. The education, economic stability, and the accessibility of healthcare experienced by an individual all play a role in the type of lifestyle a person will live, the type of care they will receive, and the amount that he or she will adhere to interventions when given them. 

Social determinants of health can affect one’s susceptibility to neurodegenerative conditions. For example, people with a lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk for having epilepsy, a neurodegenerative disorder involving seizures. External factors such as extreme early adversity, exposure to lead, and low birth weight can predispose people to developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Highly stressful work conditions, like those experienced by military personnel, police officers, and first responders, put people at risk for experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Difficult life experiences can increase one’s chance of developing clinical depression. Thus, targeting the source of neurodegenerative conditions—rather than merely treating the symptoms of them—is a vital mission for health care professionals seeking to improve the health of their communities. 

As an aspiring occupational therapist, I am required by the OT program at UTHSC to participate and log several hours of community service and professional development experiences. These experiences are critical for providing me with practical knowledge of issues in my community, and provide me with a lens through which to view my didactic coursework. In order to be an effective OT practitioner, I must first understand the social determinants that affect the health of my clients and their families.

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