Which factors contribute to health disparities as described by social determinants of health?

• A. Genetic factors alone determine health disparities.
• B. Individual lifestyle choices alone.
• C. Income, education, housing, race/ethnicity, access to care, environment, and social context.
• D. Pharmacokinetic differences among populations.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that health disparities come from the social determinants of health—the broad conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age that shape access to resources and opportunities. These include income and economic stability, education, housing quality, race/ethnicity and social context, access to health care, and the surrounding environment. When these determinants are distributed unevenly, some groups face more barriers and higher disease burdens, leading to disparities in health outcomes. For example, lower income can limit access to nutritious foods, safe housing, and regular medical care; limited education can affect health literacy and job opportunities; crowded or unhealthy housing and polluted neighborhoods raise exposure to health risks; and discrimination or lack of social support can increase stress and reduce trust in and use of health services. While genetics, individual lifestyle choices, and pharmacokinetic differences can influence health, the social determinants framework emphasizes how social, economic, and environmental conditions create unequal health outcomes across populations.