What is an example of a social determinant of health?

Income level is an example of a social determinant of health because it significantly influences an individual's overall health status and access to necessary resources. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, which affect their health outcomes. Income affects an individual’s ability to afford nutritious food, safe housing, education, and healthcare services, all of which play a crucial role in determining health.

Access to medical care is related to health but is more of a healthcare system aspect than a social determinant. Personal health behavior pertains to individual choices and actions, such as diet and exercise, while genetic predisposition relates to biological factors and is not considered a social determinant at all. Understanding income as a social determinant emphasizes the broader societal factors influencing health beyond personal choices or healthcare accessibility.