Track 33: Social Determinants of Health

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age—and they play a major role in shaping the health and quality of life of individuals and communities.

Key Categories of Social Determinants

1. Economic Stability
   Access to income, employment, and financial resources directly affects a person’s ability to afford essentials like food, housing, and healthcare.

2. Education Access and Quality
   Education shapes lifelong opportunities. Individuals with higher educational attainment often have better jobs, healthier behaviors, and longer lifespans.

3. Healthcare Access and Quality
   Health outcomes depend heavily on whether people can afford and access timely, culturally competent care.

4. Neighborhood and Built Environment
   Safe housing, transportation, green spaces, clean air, and access to healthy food all contribute to physical and mental well-being.

5. Social and Community Context
   Relationships, social support networks, community engagement, and exposure to discrimination or violence all influence mental and emotional health.

Why Social Determinants Matter

• Health Inequities: People from disadvantaged backgrounds often experience worse health outcomes—not because of personal choices, but because of unequal opportunities and environments.

• Chronic Disease: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are often more prevalent in communities with limited access to healthy food, healthcare, and safe environments.

• Mental Health: Stressors related to poverty, isolation, racism, or unsafe living conditions can significantly affect mental health.

Examples in Action

• A child growing up in a low-income neighborhood with underfunded schools and limited grocery stores may face lifelong health challenges due to poor nutrition, lower education, and limited job opportunities.

• A senior without reliable transportation may miss medical appointments, leading to worsened chronic conditions.

Addressing Social Determinants

Improving health outcomes requires looking beyond the clinic or hospital. Policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders must work together to:

• Expand access to affordable housing and nutritious food

• Improve education systems and early childhood programs

• Invest in job training and employment support

• Ensure equitable healthcare access

• Build safe, inclusive, and connected communities 
  
  
  #Healthcare #ConferenceDubai #NewYear2026 #BurjKhalifa #DubaiMahal #HospitalManagement #PatientSafety #HealthcareDubai #UAE2026 #MedicalConference #SmartHealthcare