Men’s Health Month 2024: Learn More About SDOH

Men's Health Month. A man stands smiling and stretching, bending rightward. Four male friends stand together arm in arm, smiling. A young boy is pictured on his father's back, father and son smiling.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ON RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITY AND AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE MEN 

The relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and health disparities and inequities is complex and multilayered. SDOH are the conditions in which people are born, grow, learn, work, play, live, and age, and the wider set of structural factors shaping the conditions of daily life. Health disparities are the preventable differences in burden of disease, injury, violence, and opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged groups. Health disparities are often the result of or exacerbated by intersecting SDOH factors.

An infographic depicting 5 pentagons as follows: Education Access and Quality; Health Care and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, Social and Community Context, Economic Stability.

 

To improve men’s health, it’s important to raise awareness of SDOH and reduce related barriers, including barriers to preventive screenings and regular health care for men of all ages. By addressing SDOH through a comprehensive approach, we can work to advance health equity and reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations, like racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN men.  

SDOH can be grouped into five domains. Click on the headings below to learn about the five SDOH domains and the role they play in health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN men, as well as suggested reading curated by the OMH Knowledge Center librarians. The resources in this list are available to read and download for free. For more resources on the health of racial and ethnic minority populations, please visit the OMH Knowledge Center online catalog.  

ECONOMIC STABILITY 

Economic stability refers to having a steady income and enough resources to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. People with economic stability are more likely to have good health outcomes, while those who are struggling financially are more likely to experience health problems. 

EDUCATION ACCESS AND QUALITY

Access to educational resources and quality education plays a significant role in health. Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand health information and make informed decisions about their health and the healthcare system. 

HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND QUALITY 

Health care access and quality of care is a fundamental social determinant of health. Geographic proximity, affordability, and availability of healthcare providers all influence how easily people can get the care they need. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population does not have health insurance, which can prevent individuals from seeking out healthcare services. Difficulty navigating the healthcare system and lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate care providers can also affect access to quality care.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT 

 Neighborhoods play a key role in health. Where you live can significantly impact your health and well-being. Unfortunately, racial and ethnic minority populations and low-income residents are more likely to live in neighborhoods with higher health risks. Creating neighborhoods and environments that promote health and safety, like walkable communities and accessible greenspaces, can help improve health outcomes and quality of life.

SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY CONTEXT 

Social connections matter. Relationships with family, friends, and community provide support, reduce stress, and influence healthy behaviors. Strong social connections and a sense of belonging within a community foster well-being. Discrimination, unsafe neighborhoods, and lack of resources can hinder getting the social support needed for good health.


Last Edited: 07/19/2024