Social Determinants of Health: Understanding the Basics and Their Impact on Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood/physical environment, social network, employment, and access to health care, which can shape individuals' health and affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. These social determinants of health and their associated health disparities and inequities are powerful predictors of mortality and morbidity. Chronic kidney disease disproportionally affects populations with relatively poor social determinants of health. Knowledge of social determinants, applying what one knows, and addressing the social, economic, and physical barriers to health can help improve individual and population health, reduce health disparities, and advance health equity.

Keywords: CKD prevention; chronic kidney disease; disparities; health outcomes; social determinants of health.