Which are examples of social determinants of health?

• A. Health literacy, health care access, level of education, access to food, poverty, social and community context
• B. Blood type and genetic mutations
• C. Personal taste and preferences only
• D. Hospital equipment and building design

Answer: (A)

Social determinants of health are the social and economic conditions that shape health outcomes, including what people can do, what resources are available to them, and the environments they live in. The items listed belong to this concept because health literacy affects how people understand and act on health information; access to health care determines whether they can obtain needed services; level of education influences knowledge and opportunities; access to food reflects food security and nutrition; poverty captures financial constraints that limit choices; and social and community context encompasses relationships, support, and societal experiences that influence health behaviors and stress.

Biological factors like blood type and genetic mutations are inherent attributes, not social conditions. Personal taste and preferences are individual choices rather than systemic social factors. Hospital equipment and building design relate to the healthcare system and physical environment, not the social and economic conditions that operate at population levels to determine health outcomes.