Social Determinants of Health: Food Insecurity and Housing

Social Determinants of Health

Food Insecurity

• Defined as the lack of access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life
• Affects approximately 1 in 8 households in the US
• Consequences:
  • Malnutrition and related health problems
  • Increased risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
  • Impaired cognitive development in children
  • Negative impact on mental health and well-being

Housing Conditions

• Substandard housing conditions can lead to:
  • Increased risk of respiratory problems (asthma, etc.)
  • Exposure to environmental toxins (lead, etc.)
  • Increased risk of injuries and accidents
  • Negative impact on mental health and well-being
• Factors contributing to substandard housing:
  • Poverty
  • Discrimination
  • Limited access to affordable housing

Education Level

• Higher education level associated with:
  • Better health outcomes
  • Increased health literacy
  • Improved health behaviors
  • Increased access to healthcare
• Lower education level associated with:
  • Poorer health outcomes
  • Limited health literacy
  • Unhealthy behaviors
  • Limited access to healthcare

Employment Opportunities

• Unemployment and underemployment associated with:
  • Poorer mental and physical health
  • Increased stress and anxiety
  • Decreased access to healthcare
  • Limited social mobility
• Stable employment associated with:
  • Better mental and physical health
  • Increased access to healthcare
  • Improved social mobility

Access to Healthcare

• Limited access to healthcare associated with:
  • Poorer health outcomes
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment
  • Increased healthcare disparities
  • Limited access to preventive care
• Factors contributing to limited access to healthcare:
  • Lack of health insurance
  • Limited healthcare provider availability
  • Cultural and linguistic barriers
  • Geographic isolation

Social Determinants of Health

Food Insecurity

• Food insecurity affects approximately 1 in 8 households in the US, leading to malnutrition, chronic diseases, impaired cognitive development, and negative mental health outcomes.

Housing Conditions

• Substandard housing conditions, caused by poverty, discrimination, and limited affordable housing, increase the risk of respiratory problems, environmental toxin exposure, injuries, and negatively impact mental health.

Education Level

• Higher education level is linked to better health outcomes, increased health literacy, improved health behaviors, and greater access to healthcare, while lower education level is associated with poorer health outcomes, limited health literacy, unhealthy behaviors, and limited access to healthcare.

Employment Opportunities

• Unemployment and underemployment are associated with poorer mental and physical health, increased stress, and limited access to healthcare, whereas stable employment is linked to better mental and physical health, increased access to healthcare, and improved social mobility.

Access to Healthcare

• Limited access to healthcare, influenced by factors like lack of insurance, limited provider availability, cultural and linguistic barriers, and geographic isolation, leads to poorer health outcomes, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and increased healthcare disparities, while also limiting access to preventive care.

Nurse's Role in Community Health

Cultural Sensitivity

• Recognize and respect cultural differences to provide personalized care
• Understand how cultural beliefs and values impact health behaviors and outcomes
• Adapt communication and care strategies for diverse populations
• Consider cultural nuances when developing health education programs

Community Outreach

• Partner with community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders to build trust
• Develop outreach programs to reach underserved populations
• Provide health education and screenings in community settings (clinics, schools, community centers)
• Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local governments

Health Education

• Assess health education needs of individuals and communities
• Develop evidence-based health education programs to promote healthy behaviors
• Use culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate materials and approaches
• Focus on disease prevention, management, and self-care skills

Health Promotion

• Address social determinants of health (poverty, housing, education)
• Develop programs to promote healthy behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, stress management)
• Foster community-based initiatives to promote health and wellness
• Encourage community engagement in health promotion activities

Disease Prevention

• Identify and address health risks and disparities in the community
• Develop evidence-based disease prevention programs (screenings, vaccinations, health fairs)
• Focus on prevention and early detection of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cancer)
• Collaborate with community organizations and healthcare providers for disease prevention and management