When we think about health, most of us picture a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups. But the truth is, a person’s well-being is shaped by far more than just lifestyle choices and medical care. Beneath the surface, a powerful set of influences—known as the social determinants of health—play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes.
Social determinants of health refer to the broader conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. This includes factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, access to stable employment, and the safety of one’s housing and community. These elements create the social environment that deeply impacts a person’s physical and mental health.
The connection is clear: where and how you live matter. Numerous studies show a strong link between people’s health and the conditions of their daily lives. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), social determinants account for an estimated 30–55% of health outcomes—a figure that underscores their importance.
Healthcare professionals—from general practitioners to those with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health—understand this all too well. Addressing these determinants isn’t just helpful; it’s essential to creating a healthier, more equitable society. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to help you understand what social determinants of health are, why they matter, and most importantly, how you can take steps to address them in your own life or community.
Why Social Determinants of Health Matter More Than You Think
When it comes to health, we often think of diet, exercise, and vaccines. But in reality, health is influenced by a much broader web of factors. These are known as determinants of health—the various elements that increase or decrease our risk of disease or injury. Some of these are medical, but many are not.
This guide focuses on the social determinants of health (SDOH), a group of non-medical factors that profoundly shape health outcomes. While definitions may vary, the World Health Organization (WHO) broadly describes them as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.”
These determinants include—but are not limited to:
- Education
- Income and social protection
- Working conditions
- Food security
- Housing and basic amenities
- Early childhood development
- Access to affordable healthcare
- Social inclusion and non-discrimination
- Transportation
- Psychosocial risk factors
- Socioeconomic status
Notably, these factors are often interconnected. For example, a person’s level of education can influence their income, which in turn affects their access to healthcare and housing.
The Evidence: Social Factors Have Measurable Impacts
Research leaves little room for doubt: social determinants have a significant influence on health. According to the WHO, they account for 30% to 55% of all health outcomes.
In Australia, for example, a 2014–15 study found that 20% of people living in the lowest socioeconomic areas were 1.6 times more likely to have at least two chronic health conditions compared to those in the highest income brackets.
Why Understanding Social Determinants Matters
For individuals, understanding social determinants offers more than just insight—it empowers. When people understand the broader forces affecting their health, they can become better advocates for themselves and make more informed choices. This is central to health literacy, or the ability to access, comprehend, and use health information to maintain and improve one’s well-being.
Studies show that higher health literacy correlates with improved health outcomes, from better disease management to increased engagement with preventive care. For healthcare professionals, especially those with training in public health, recognizing these determinants allows for more holistic, person-centered care. It enables clinicians to look beyond symptoms and consider the environmental and societal pressures that may be driving illness.
On a broader scale, SDOH are critical for identifying systemic gaps in healthcare. Policymakers and public health leaders can use this lens to pinpoint inequities and craft targeted solutions. A powerful example: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians face widespread disadvantages tied to SDOH, contributing to a life expectancy gap of approximately 10 years compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
How Social Determinants Influence Health: Key Examples
#1. Work and Education
Education level, income, and job type are some of the most common measures of socioeconomic status. Unsurprisingly, they are closely tied to health outcomes.
Higher income and stable employment often translate to better access to healthcare, healthier environments, and reduced stress. On the flip side, lower educational attainment can limit job opportunities and income, both of which are associated with chronic stress, poor self-esteem, and limited healthcare access.
In Australia, rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs have only intensified these disparities.
#2. Early Childhood Development
The early years are foundational. Research shows that childhood development significantly influences school success, career prospects, and long-term health.
Moreover, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can have lasting impacts. ACEs have been linked to increased risks of depression, asthma, cancer, and even premature death.
#3. Intergenerational Disadvantage
The effects of socioeconomic disadvantage can stretch across generations. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, those living in persistent disadvantage (for four or more years) are more likely to experience poor health.
Populations most affected include:
- Single-parent households
- Individuals in public housing
- Long-term welfare recipients
- Aboriginal Australians
- People who did not complete high school
These groups often face structural barriers to health, whether through limited access to healthcare, poor housing, or limited nutrition. Over time, these disadvantages accumulate, leading to increased disease risk and reduced quality of life.
#4. Climate Change
While often viewed through an environmental lens, climate change is increasingly recognized as a social determinant of health. Australia’s rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are already threatening food and water security. More extreme weather events also strain emergency response systems and increase the burden on public health infrastructure.
Addressing the Social Determinants: What Can Be Done?
The first step toward change is recognizing that many health determinants lie outside individual control. Still, there are meaningful ways to engage:
#1. Advocate for Policy Change
Advocate for better policies that improve healthcare equity and access. Pushing for affordable housing, equitable education, and accessible healthcare helps tackle the root causes of poor health at a systemic level.
#2. Use Community Resources
Accessing local support services—such as food banks, employment programs, or subsidized healthcare—can help individuals bridge gaps caused by social determinants.
#3. Invest in Research and Education
Educating both individuals and professionals about social determinants fosters greater empathy, more responsive care, and a shift toward long-term, structural solutions.
Looking Forward: A Healthier, More Equitable Future
Though the statistics can be daunting, there’s reason for optimism. Awareness of social determinants is growing—and with it, the momentum to make meaningful change.
Through collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and local communities, we can begin to address the inequalities that shape our health. After all, health should never be a privilege—it should be a right.
Featured Image: PeopleImages/iStock
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