Health is shaped not only by medical care but also by the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and age. In this lesson, you will explore social determinants of health, understand why some populations are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, and consider how nurses can use community information to support health equity.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors that affect individuals’ health. A client’s health is influenced by personal circumstances as well as the wider social, economic, and physical environments in which they live.
All flashcards
What are social determinants of health?
Nonmedical conditions and factors, such as income, housing, and food access, that influence health.
What is a vulnerable population?
A group whose members may face nonmedical barriers to health; individual circumstances still need assessment.
What information does County Health Rankings & Roadmaps provide?
Community-level health measures that can help identify local needs and inform programs or policies.
What is the Hunger Vital Sign?
A two-question screen about household worry that food will run out and food not lasting.
How can nurses help promote food security?
Assess food access, offer practical nutrition education, and connect clients with food or financial assistance.
Quiz questions
Which description best defines food insecurity?Answer: Limited or uncertain access to nutritious food because of social or economic factors.
When is a Hunger Vital Sign screen considered positive?Answer: When either statement is reported as often true or sometimes true.
What characterizes a food desert?Answer: A geographic area with limited access to affordable, healthy food.
What characterizes a food swamp?Answer: An area where available food choices are often high in calories, sugar, sodium, or fat.
A client reports difficulty affording nutritious foods. Which nursing response best supports food security?Answer: Assess the client's food access and connect them with relevant community resources.
Based on Nutrition for Nurses by Emerald Charity Bilbrew, Jody Vogelzang, Kelli Whittington (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.