Health equity means everyone has an equal chance of being healthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions people are born into, grow up in, work in, live in, and age in. These include economic policies, development plans, social norms, and political systems. SDOH are often overlooked when treating a patient’s primary health concern. However, optimal care and health require considering the social determinants in all patients, especially those at higher risk of negative health outcomes.
For example, poverty is not just about income. It’s a lack of resources, opportunities, and power to become self-sufficient or participate in society. Healthcare professionals should screen for poverty and other vulnerable situations. Specific groups and social situations to watch out for include: First Nations, Inuit, and Metis populations; global health and immigration; people with disabilities; those at the extremes of age; and LGBTQ populations. It’s crucial to ask patients about these factors and create a safe and open environment to discuss their practices and beliefs.