Social prescribing and other solutions to address social determinants

Social determinants of health (SDoH) encompass various non-medical factors, such as socio-economic status, education, living conditions, and access to healthcare. A range of studies have highlighted the role of SDoH on chronic diseases. They can impact SDoH directly and indirectly. For example, Tang (2013) identified income, education, and job nature as key determinants in China. Hill (2013) discussing the influence of physical and social environments, such as low income and poor living conditions, on diabetes in the US. Research to date collectively underscore the need for a holistic approach to addressing chronic diseases, one that takes into account the broader social and economic factors that contribute to their prevalence and impact. The Healthy People 2030 framework provides a valuable lens for deconstructing this intricate web. It identifies five key domains as the foundational pillars of SDoH: 1. Economic Stability: Income disparities, food insecurity, and inadequate housing are potent stressors, disrupting biological pathways and increasing susceptibility to chronic diseases. 2. Education Access and Quality: Educational attainment acts as a potent buffer against health inequities. Higher levels of education correlate with improved health literacy, healthier lifestyle choices, and greater access to preventive healthcare services. 3. Social and Community Context: The presence of strong social networks serves as a protective shield, fostering healthy behaviors and mitigating the impact of chronic stress. 4. Neighbourhood and Built Environment: The physical environment we inhabit plays a crucial role in shaping health choices and opportunities. Access to green spaces, safe pedestrian infrastructure, and healthy food options facilitates healthy behaviors. 5. Health Care Access and Quality: The healthcare system itself acts as a critical determinant of health outcomes. Equitable access to quality healthcare services plays a fundamental role in disease prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of chronic conditions. Health systems can play a more active role in addressing SDoH by revising policies to support direct interventions (Chaiyachati, 2016). This approach should be complemented by a focus on health behaviors, which are influenced by societal factors and can be modeled to enhance understanding (Short, 2015). To reduce health inequalities, action on the social determinants of health is crucial, including addressing poverty and improving living and working conditions (Gross). One possible solution is social prescribing. Social prescribing involves a trusted referrer connecting a person to a link worker, who acts as a resource while the individual creates their own personalised plan, identifying opportunities and avenues for enrichment to enhance their quality of life. See: ASPIRE Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education (ASPIRE) https://www.creatingopportunitiestogether.com.au/