Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, learn, work, play, live, and age, and the broader set of structural factors shaping the needs of daily life (National Institutes of Health). Faculty research focuses on investigating the intricacies of SDOH and their impact on health disparities and healthcare inequities across various demographic groups. By assessing interconnected factors such as socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, access to healthcare, and social justice issues, faculty aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that shape health outcomes across the lifespan. Through rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary approaches, they also seek to identify actionable strategies and interventions that lead to policy development to reduce disparities and promote health equity.