In public health, which example best demonstrates social determinants of health?

• A. Health outcomes are determined solely by genetics.
• B. Diet alone determines health outcomes.
• C. Health care access is irrelevant to outcomes.
• D. A resident with stable housing and good education has better disease prevention access.

Answer: (D)

Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, such as housing, education, income, and access to services. The best example shows how these conditions translate into real advantages in prevention: a resident with stable housing and good education has better disease prevention access. When housing is stable, people face fewer environmental hazards and have a reliable place to store medications and maintain routines, which supports preventive practices. Good education boosts health literacy and the ability to navigate the health system, making it easier to understand and follow prevention guidelines, obtain vaccines, and participate in screenings. Together, these social conditions open doors to preventive care and better health outcomes.

The other factors emphasize isolated elements—genetics, or diet—without capturing how broader social contexts shape what people can do and what opportunities they have. And saying that access to care is irrelevant contradicts the reality that availability and use of preventive services are greatly influenced by housing, education, and other social conditions.