What are social determinants of health?

Social determinants of health encompass a wide range of conditions that influence individuals' health outcomes, and the correct choice highlights this multifaceted nature. These determinants are non-medical factors that ultimately affect health, including but not limited to the physical environment, social and economic conditions, education, access to healthcare, and community resources.

By identifying specific elements such as environment and lifestyle, the chosen answer captures the essence of how various external factors—like housing stability, access to healthy food, and opportunities for physical activity—collectively shape an individual’s or community's overall health. For instance, living in a polluted or unsafe environment can lead to adverse health effects, just as poor lifestyle choices—often influenced by one's surroundings—can impact health outcomes.

The other options, while relevant to health, do not encompass the entirety of what social determinants of health include. For instance, genetic predispositions are strictly biological factors and do not consider the social context. Access to health insurance is just one aspect of a broader set of determinants. Lastly, limiting social determinants to only the economic status of individuals neglects the comprehensive range of factors that collectively impact health.