Which determinant of health includes cultural norms and attitudes such as discrimination or stigma?

The social determinants of health encompass a broad range of factors that can significantly influence individual and community health outcomes. Cultural norms and attitudes, such as discrimination or stigma, are critical components of this category. Social determinants include the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, all of which are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources at global, national, and local levels.

Cultural norms can create environments that either promote health or contribute to health disparities. For instance, stigma associated with certain health conditions can lead to negative health outcomes by discouraging individuals from seeking necessary care or support. Discriminatory practices can further hinder access to services and resources, perpetuating cycles of poor health and inequity.

The other categories of determinants—physical, economic, and behavioral—describe different aspects of health influences. Physical determinants relate to the built environment, such as housing and access to clean water; economic determinants focus on factors like income and socioeconomic status; and behavioral determinants involve individual lifestyle choices. While all these factors are important in understanding health, it is the social determinants that specifically encompass cultural norms and attitudes, making this the correct choice.