Which statement about social determinants of health is true?

• A. Health literacy and access to healthcare are social determinants
• B. Genetics are central social determinants
• C. Access to healthcare is not considered a determinant
• D. Poverty has no impact on health

Answer: (A)

Social determinants of health are the social and economic conditions that influence how people live and how likely they are to be healthy. Health literacy affects a person’s ability to obtain, understand, and use health information, shaping decisions about screening, treatment, and adherence. Access to healthcare determines whether someone can actually obtain preventive services, timely diagnoses, and appropriate treatment; barriers like cost, transportation, or provider availability directly impact health outcomes. Genetics, while important for disease risk, are biological factors and not social conditions, so they aren’t considered social determinants. Poverty, likewise, influences housing, nutrition, stress, and access to care, all of which shape health. So recognizing health literacy and access to healthcare as social determinants aligns with how social and economic contexts drive health outcomes.