The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, as well as the systems put in place to deal with illness. These conditions are largely determined by the social and economic environment, with the family and home environment being a major factor in determining a person’s health. The family and home environment are significant social determinants of health which can have a profound effect on a person’s wellbeing.
The home environment and family can have a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of an individual. Families are the primary source of socialization for children, and they play a crucial role in shaping their health behaviors. For example, engaging in detrimental dietary habits can be passed down to the next generation, raising the danger of obesity and other chronic illnesses (Hill-Briggs et al., 2021). Moreover, establishing an open dialogue about health can help to create a positive atmosphere that promotes healthful behaviors.
Social determinants of health can significantly influence an individual’s access to healthcare, preventive care, and health education. For instance, individuals living in low-income areas may not have equal access to medical care or adequate health information. Lack of access to these resources may limit one’s ability to prevent, manage and treat various health problems, thereby affecting health promotion and wellness (Katz et al., 2018). Furthermore, social determinants such as housing, income, and education may influence an individual’s ability to make healthy choices. A person with limited resources is less likely to prioritize buying healthy food or participating in physical activities (Katz et al., 2018). Therefore, health promotion and wellness programs must address social determinants of health to ensure that individuals have access to the necessary resources and information to make healthy choices and improve their quality of life.
In conclusion, social determinants of health within the family and home environment have a significant impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. Families and homes shape health behaviors, and socio-economic factors can influence access to healthcare, healthy food choices, and environmental health hazards. These factors should be taken into account when examining health promotion and wellness, as the home and familial environment can have considerable influence.
References
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., Thornton, P. L., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258–279. Web.
Katz, A., Chateau, D., Enns, J. E., Valdivia, J., Taylor, C., Walld, R., & McCulloch, S. (2018). Association of the social determinants of health with quality of primary care. The Annals of Family Medicine May, 16(3), 217-224. Web.