What are social determinants of health in the context of community health nursing?

The concept of social determinants of health refers to the various conditions that influence overall health outcomes within a community. This encompasses a wide range of factors, including the environments in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Such determinants shape an individual's opportunities for good health and can include aspects such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare.

Understanding these determinants is crucial in community health nursing, as it allows practitioners to recognize how external factors contribute to health disparities within populations. By addressing these underlying conditions—like poor housing, lack of education, and insufficient access to nutritious food—community health nurses can work towards creating effective interventions that improve health outcomes on a broader scale.

This perspective emphasizes that health is not solely a result of individual choices or genetics, but heavily influenced by social and environmental conditions, reinforcing the need for holistic approaches in community health efforts.