Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
SDOH refers to the non-medical factors that influence patients’ health outcomes. These include the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources at global, national, and local levels. Key examples of SDOH include:
- Income and social protection
- Education
- Employment and job security
- Working conditions
- Food security
- Housing and environment
- Early childhood development
- Social inclusion and non-discrimination
- Access to healthcare services
SDOH data is the factual information that can result in future systematic health inequities, such as unfair and avoidable differences in individual health status. Analyzing patterns in SDOH datasets can reveal who the disadvantaged are and how they are disproportionately affected. And what has to be initiated involves a strong commitment to improving daily living conditions, tackling the inequitable distribution of power, money, and resources, then measuring and understanding the impact of actions taken to address these determinants.
Quality of Life (QoL) Measures
Quality of life measures, particularly health-related quality of life (HRQoL), focus on the patient’s perspective and the impact of health conditions on their daily lives. HRQoL includes physical and mental health perceptions, functional status, social support, and socioeconomic status. It is a subjective measure that reflects the individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of their culture and value systems.
HRQoL is often assessed using standardized questionnaires, such as the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) scale, which measures five domains: death and duration of life, impairment, health perceptions, opportunity (capacity for health), and functional status. These measures provide insights into the physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects of health, offering a more comprehensive view of a patient’s well-being than traditional clinical measures.
Key Differences
- Focus and Scope:
- SDOH: Broad and systemic, focusing on the external conditions and societal factors that influence health outcomes.
- QoL Measures: Individual and subjective, focusing on the personal impact of health conditions on daily life and well-being.
- Measurement Tools:
- SDOH: Data often collected through surveys, census data, and other large-scale demographic tools to assess factors like income, education, and housing.
- QoL Measures: Standardized questionnaires and patient-reported outcomes to assess physical, mental, and social health aspects.
- Application:
- SDOH: Used to inform public health policies, address health inequities, and improve social conditions that affect health.
- QoL Measures: Used in clinical settings to understand patient experiences, guide treatment decisions, and improve individual patient care.
- Impact on Health:
- SDOH: Influences health outcomes indirectly by shaping the environment and opportunities available to individuals.
- QoL Measures: Directly reflect the patient's health status and its impact on their life, providing immediate feedback on health interventions.
In summary, while both SDOH and QoL measures are essential for a comprehensive understanding of health, they serve different purposes and require different approaches. SDOH addresses the broader social and economic factors affecting health, whereas QoL measures focus on the individual's subjective experience of their health and well-being.