What does the term "social determinants of health" encompass?

The term "social determinants of health" specifically encompasses the conditions in which individuals are born, live, learn, work, and play. These factors significantly influence health outcomes and access to care, as they shape the environment in which individuals make choices about their health and the opportunities available to them. This concept recognizes that health is not solely determined by individual behavior or medical care but is profoundly affected by the social, economic, and physical environments in which people operate.

These determinants include factors such as economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and the built environment. Understanding social determinants of health is crucial for public health efforts focused on improving overall population health and addressing health disparities. By identifying and addressing these broader social and environmental factors, public health initiatives can be more effective in promoting health equity.

The other options, while related to health, do not fully capture the essence of social determinants. Genetic predispositions pertain more to inherent biological factors, access to medical care focuses solely on health services, and public health policies are guidelines that may influence health but are not directly the conditions in which people live their daily lives.