Social Factors and Determinants of Health

Social Factors and Determinants of Health

Social factors such as an individual’s level of education, poverty, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, social classes, and customs are significant determinants of health in Phoenix, Arizona. This city, with a population of 328,239,523, has a median household income of $60,293 and a poverty level of 11.8% (United States Census Bureau, 2019).  Even though other factors determine the type of groceries purchased by individual households, social classes are the most significant determinants. Individuals from high social class purchase more expensive groceries than those from middle and low social status. It is important to note that the prices of various groceries are dependent on their qualities. Put differently, individuals from high social class have the ability to purchase the best groceries because they have the required amount of money.

Apart from social classes, the type of groceries purchased by individual households is determined by the level of education of the members. A highly educated family would spend more money on quality and nutritious groceries as opposed to an uneducated household. Education provides individuals with a basic understanding of the role of nutrition in human health. An understanding that a balanced diet could keep the doctors away makes educated families to consume quality groceries. Uneducated families, on the other hand, may consume any groceries without due regard to their impact on personal and family health.

Food security is an essential aspect that influences the health of communities. A community health nurse could promote food security in Phoenix through outreach interventions, which educate the city members of the various methods of food production and sustenance (Minnesota Department of Health, 2019). The nurse could organize outreach programs in different places to teach members of the available diversified means of food production that would ensure food security.

References

Anderson, L. J. W., Schaffer, M. A., Hiltz, C., O’Leary, S. A., Luehr, R. E., & Yoney, E. L. (2018). Public health interventions: School nurse practice stories. The Journal of School Nursing, 34(3), 192-202. DOI:10.1177/1059840517721951

Minnesota Department of Health. (2019). Public health interventions: Applications for public health nursing practice (2nd ed.).

United States Census Bureau (2019). The 2020 census is happening now. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219