New American Families
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (SDH) are essential factors recognized by the World Health Organization that significantly impact health outcomes, extending beyond medical influences. These encompass various aspects such as education, employment status and job security, income and social protection, access to food, housing status and environment, structural conflict, and availability of healthcare services.
Studies have revealed that racial and gender minorities often bear a disproportionate burden of negative SDH compared to their majority counterparts. Additionally, evidence suggests that immigrant, migrant, and refugee individuals are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of SDH.
At YWCA Mankato, our New American Families program is dedicated to actively mitigating the negative effects of Social Determinants of Health on parents and families. We achieve this through tailored referrals and resources delivered by our culturally and linguistically competent staff.
References:
Ahnquist, Johanna, Sarah P. Wamala, and Martin Lindstrom. “Social Determinants of Health – A Question of Social or Economic Capital? Interaction Effects of Socioeconomic Factors on Health Outcomes.” Social science & medicine (1982) 74.6 (2012): 930–939. Web.
Holt-Lunstad, Julianne. “Social Connection as a Public Health Issue: The Evidence and a Systemic Framework for Prioritizing the Social in Social Determinants of Health.” Annual review of public health 43.1 (2022): 193–213. Web.
“Social Determinants of Health.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1. Accessed 12 Feb. 2024.
Rami, Falu et al. “Health Inequities and Social Determinants of Health in Refugee and Immigrant Communities.” The American psychologist 78.2 (2023): 160–172. Web.