How Social Determinants of Health Impact Access to Healthcare
Healthcare is a fundamental human right that everyone should have access to. However, this is not always the case. Many factors prevent people from accessing healthcare services, and social determinants of health are at the forefront of this issue.
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors have a significant impact on an individual’s health outcomes; they can affect their access to healthcare, their quality of care, and their overall health status.
Poverty is one of the social determinants of health that impacts access to healthcare. Many people living in poverty cannot afford health insurance or medical care. As a result, they delay seeking medical care and only go to the doctor when their condition has worsened. Lack of transportation and child care also affect people living in poverty, making it difficult for them to get to medical appointments.
Racism and discrimination are also social determinants of health that affect access to healthcare. Ethnic and racial minorities face persistent challenges in accessing healthcare services. They are more likely to experience inadequate treatment, misdiagnosis, and poor quality of care. Racism and discrimination can also create mistrust between patients and healthcare providers, leading to reluctance to seek medical care.
Education level and literacy are also critical factors affecting access to healthcare. People with a low level of education may struggle to understand medical instructions, and those with poor literacy skills may not understand the information provided on medical forms.
Furthermore, the environment in which people live can have a significant impact on their health outcomes. People living in areas with high levels of pollution and poor living conditions are more likely to have chronic health conditions and are at higher risk of developing respiratory diseases and cancers.
In conclusion, social determinants of health play a significant role in determining an individual’s ability to access healthcare services. Factors like poverty, racism, discrimination, education level, and living conditions can create barriers to accessing care. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to address these issues, eliminate barriers to care, and provide equitable access to healthcare services for all.
