Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health encompass the circumstances in which individuals are born, develop, live, work, and age, as well as the healthcare systems in which they are involved. These circumstances are determined by the global, national, and local distributions of money, power, and resources, which in turn are influenced by the public policies that are enacted. The influence of social variables on health is significant, affecting the impact of other elements; however, there is no uniform theoretical and methodological basis for their examination. Thus, at the societal level, these factors of health include uneven living situations in early life, access to health care, and values and culture.
Uneven living situations in early infancy can harm a person’s health by causing a weakened immune system and chronic disorders. Individuals without access to health services may develop a range of medical issues. People’s lives can be significantly influenced by their values and culture, which have a profound impact on their overall well-being and health.
Screening
Screening tools are a valuable way to determine how socioeconomic variables impact a person’s health. This technique will help determine which elements affect people’s health. Screening techniques may include questionnaires designed to discover socioeconomic factors. Another approach may be to examine the patient’s information, income, family history, and cultural background. Questions that can help to identify these variables could be: “What conditions did you live in as a child?” “Can you easily access health care?” “Does your culture influence your daily life?”
Synergy Model
MSN degree nurses can utilize the Synergy Model to engage with individuals and assess their health literacy, as well as the impact of socioeconomic determinants. This is due to the model’s emphasis on developing strong nurse-patient connections. Building a healthy connection can help a nurse gain the patient’s confidence and obtain more accurate information about social factors. Staff must enhance their cultural competency to demonstrate open-mindedness and tolerance for diversity. In addition, when planning treatment, nurses must consider age and cultural variations to provide an individualized approach for each person.