Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that significantly influence health outcomes. They encompass the conditions and circumstances in which individuals are born, grow, work, live, and age, as well as the broader set of forces and systems shaping daily life.

Key SDOH include:

• Economic Stability: Income, job security, and employment conditions.
• Education: Access to quality education and literacy skills.
• Health Care: Access to quality health services.
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Safe housing, transportation, neighborhoods, and access to nutritious foods.
• Social and Community Context: Social inclusion, non-discrimination, and exposure to violence.

These determinants are interconnected and can influence each other. For instance, income can affect access to education, which in turn can impact job opportunities. SDOH have a major impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life and can contribute to health disparities and inequities, with lower socioeconomic positions often associated with worse health outcomes.

GHI’s SDOH solutions actively address these determinants, which are crucial for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities.