1

Reflection Essay: Social Determinants of Health Assignment

Student’s Name

Institution

Nursing

Instructor’s Name

Date
 2

Reflection Essay: Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health help understand health beyond the physiological view,

where symptoms are the indication of diseases or disorders. These are social and economic

factors that reflect the conditions and circumstances where individuals grow and age, thus

how these conditions affect one's health. Factors such as education, financial positions,

access to healthcare, disability, aboriginal factors, gender, race, and social norms greatly

impact individuals' health and wellbeing. This essay reflects on personal experiences related

to social determinants of health, how they impact health outcomes, and their significance in

social work practice at various levels.

Personal Experience with Social Determinants of Health

One's social and economic environment greatly affects their health. I grew up in a

low-income neighborhood where most people struggle to push through the day and meet

their basic needs (food, shelter, clothing). In these surroundings, I witnessed firsthand the

challenges posed by limited access to healthcare, housing, educational resources, and

unemployment. Money was never enough, given that most individuals lacked jobs or were

on contracts for menial jobs with meager pay and without benefits such as housing and

health coverage. My family was no different. We struggled to afford regular medical

checkups, and preventive care wasn't an option since we needed to spend the money on

"more dire" needs like food and shelter: preventive healthcare wasn't a priority. This lack of

access to healthcare services significantly impacted my wellbeing and that of my family

members. Minor health issues would often escalate due to delayed medical attention,

leading to more severe health complications and increased stress within the family. For
 3

instance, I had a family member whose chronic health issue worsened since we lacked

medical insurance and did not have the finances for prompt medical attention.

Nevertheless, everyone in our neighborhood had to cope. Survival was key. We relied

heavily on community support networks and missions to get through these healthcare

challenges. Local clinics offering free or discounted services were crucial, ensuring we

received the necessary care. I cannot understate the importance of food banks and free

clinics in our community. Additionally, community organizations, missions, and donors

assisted with food, clothing, and educational resources. These were vital in alleviating some

of the financial burdens, thus improving our wellbeing.

These experiences highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals and

communities in navigating determinants of health. As a future SSW, these experiences have

made me recognize the significance of socioeconomic factors in health and wellbeing. I

understand fully why, as SSWs, we must holistically address health concerns by considering

the underlying social factors contributing to health disparities. Furthermore, my upbringing

has made me more empathetic and understanding, which will go a long way in effectively

working with clients as a social service provider.

Social Conditions Impacting the Community

My community is diverse. It has people from different social and economic

backgrounds, with most people facing financial challenges and thus having limited success in

essential resources, infrastructure, and resources. Most of the families live below the

poverty line: an average annual income of below $25,252, as defined by the Government of

Canada (2023). The community also comprises immigrants with social inclusion and cultural
 4

adjustment challenges and individuals living with disabilities who struggle to access the

necessary support.

Unemployment and Job Insecurity. One of the critical social conditions affecting my

community, as per the lecture, is unemployment and job insecurity, which is tied to Income

and Income Distribution. These two factors are closely associated with physical and mental

health challenges. Most people are stressed as they don't have jobs. Thus, the income is

needed to meet their basic needs. Additionally, they have to work multiple jobs and lack

overall financial security. Therefore, this situation forces individuals to look for coping

mechanisms like alcoholism and substance abuse that exacerbate health concerns.

Housing. Lack of proper, affordable housing impacts people's quality of life as they're

associated with direct and indirect physical and mental health complications (Chung et al.,

2019). Many families in my neighborhood are forced to live in substandard houses with poor

conditions, leading to health hazards like mold, pest infestation, peeling paint, inadequate

power supply, and overcrowding. This housing instability contributes to a cycle of poor

health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. It is

common for people to suffer from respiratory conditions due to poor air quality, accidents

and injuries due to substandard structures, and cognitive complications among children

from neurotoxin exposure.

Education. Most individuals in my community have basic education, meaning they

have limited access to employment opportunities and competitive incomes (both social

determinants of health). Additionally, low education level means their health literacy is low –

they lack the knowledge to understand their health needs and how to access health

services.
 5

Food Security. Most people don't have the luxury to enjoy regular meals. According

to PROOF (2022), lack of or inconsistent access to basic food is likely to lead to poor general,

mental, and physical health, chronic conditions, and mood-related disorders. Food insecurity

within the neighborhood worsens due to unemployment and, thus, lack of money.

Other factors, such as inadequate health services and social exclusion, also affect

healthcare quality within my community. Although social support programs and donations

help alleviate the healthcare situation, it is important to address issues such as income

inequality, social exclusion, and inadequate public infrastructure and services. These

challenges exacerbate health disparities and limit opportunities for individuals and families

to thrive.

Social Determinants of Health Influence the Work of a Social Service Worker

It is vital for social service workers to understand the social determinants of health in

order to provide effective services to clients. I am more empathetic and understanding due

to my background and knowledge of the social determinants of health, which I believe will

make me an effective social service provider in the future. For instance, consider a

hypothetical client, Clara, a single mother living in poverty. She is unemployed and has

limited access to transportation (infrastructure) and healthcare for herself and her son.

Clara's son has diabetes and requires regular medical appointments and specialized care,

which she cannot meet comfortably due to financial constraints.

Based on what I know about social determinants of health, I would approach Clara's

case holistically to ensure the best solution – one that goes beyond addressing her

immediate healthcare challenges. I would help her get financial aid from community groups

and social assistance programs. Another viable solution would be to inform her of available
 6

free diabetes treatment programs around the neighborhood. Nevertheless, I would

champion for policies to improve access to healthcare services, social inclusion, and access

to resources like transportation for all, including low-income families. My aim would be to

empower Clara to overcome the systemic barriers to healthcare by addressing the

underlying social determinants leading to the challenges she is facing.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of social determinants of health on individuals and

communities is crucial to effective social service work. Personal experiences and knowledge

of these factors of health provide important insights into the holistic nature of health. Social

Service Workers (SSWs) need to address factors such as education, income, employment,

access to healthcare services, and social exclusion to promote and ensure equitable health

outcomes and build healthier communities.

References

Chung, R. Y.-N., Chung, G. K.-K., Gordon, D., Mak, J. K.-L., Zhang, L.-F., Chan, D., Lai, F. T. T.,

Wong, H., & Wong, S. Y.-S. (2019). Housing affordability effects on physical and

mental health: a household survey in a population with the world's greatest housing

affordability stress. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 74(2), jech-

2019-212286. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2019-212286

Government Of Canada. (2023). A backgrounder on poverty in Canada - Canada.ca.

Canada.ca.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/poverty-

reduction/backgrounder.html

PROOF. (2022). What are the implications of food insecurity for health and health care?

PROOF. https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/what-are-the-implications-of-food-

insecurity-for-health-and-health-care/