Which of the following is a component of the social determinants of health?

• A. Economic stability
• B. Education access/quality
• C. Healthcare access/quality
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes. Economic stability affects health by determining whether people can afford housing, nutritious food, transportation, and experiences chronic stress from financial insecurity. Education access and quality shape health outcomes through health literacy, the ability to pursue higher-paying jobs, and the opportunity to understand and navigate the health system. Healthcare access and quality determine how easily people can obtain preventive services, timely treatment, and effective management of illnesses, which directly impact health.

Because all three of these factors play important, interrelated roles in shaping health, the best choice is one that includes all of them.