Social Determinants Of Health

Sample Solution

   

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These conditions are shaped by factors such as income, education, housing, transportation, access to healthcare, and social support networks. SDOH have a significant impact on a person's health and well-being.

SDOH can contribute to the development of disease in a number of ways. For example, people living in poverty may have difficulty accessing healthy food and affordable housing. They may also be more likely to live in polluted environments and to be exposed to violence. These factors can increase the risk of developing a variety of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Full Answer Section

      People with less education may also have less access to information about health and disease prevention. They may also be less likely to have health insurance, which can make it difficult to afford preventive care and treatment. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can make it more difficult to manage diseases and to prevent complications. Housing is another important SDOH that can impact health. People living in overcrowded or substandard housing are more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards, such as lead and mold. They are also more likely to have difficulty accessing healthcare and other social services. This can increase the risk of developing a variety of diseases, including respiratory infections, asthma, and lead poisoning. Transportation is another important SDOH that can impact health. People who do not have access to reliable transportation may have difficulty getting to work, school, or doctor's appointments. They may also have difficulty accessing healthy food and other resources. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Access to healthcare is another important SDOH that can impact health. People who do not have access to affordable, quality healthcare are more likely to go without preventive care and treatment. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can make it more difficult to manage diseases and to prevent complications. Social support networks also play an important role in health. People with strong social support networks are more likely to have access to resources and support when they are sick. They are also more likely to have healthy habits and to engage in behaviors that promote health. Communicable Disease Chain Model The communicable disease chain model is a tool that is used to understand how diseases are transmitted. It is made up of six links:

• Agent: The agent is the infectious organism that causes the disease. This could be a virus, bacteria, parasite, or fungus.
• Reservoir: The reservoir is the host in which the agent lives and reproduces. This could be a human, animal, or the environment.
• Portal of exit: The portal of exit is the way that the agent leaves the reservoir. This could be through coughing, sneezing, respiratory droplets, feces, urine, blood, or sexual contact.
• Mode of transmission: The mode of transmission is the way that the agent travels from the reservoir to a new host. This could be through direct contact, indirect contact, airborne transmission, or vector-borne transmission.
• Portal of entry: The portal of entry is the way that the agent enters the new host. This could be through the mouth, nose, eyes, or skin.
• Susceptible host: The susceptible host is the person or animal who is not immune to the disease.

How a Nurse Can Break the Link Within the Communicable Disease Chain Nurses can play an important role in breaking the links in the communicable disease chain. Here are some examples:

• Agent: Nurses can help to prevent the spread of disease by educating patients and the public about the importance of handwashing and other hygiene practices. They can also help to develop and implement protocols to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
• Reservoir: Nurses can help to identify and isolate infected individuals to prevent them from spreading the disease to others. They can also help to treat infected individuals to reduce the amount of time they are contagious.
• Portal of exit: Nurses can help to prevent the spread of disease by educating patients and the public about how to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze. They can also help to develop and implement protocols to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.

Mode of transmission: Nurses can help to prevent the spread of disease by educating patients and the public about how to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. They can also help to develop and implement protocols to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.