Social determinants of health are best described as which of the following?

• A. Nonmedical factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, employment, and access to health care
• B. Genetic predisposition
• C. Diet alone
• D. Exercise regimen

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that health is shaped by nonmedical conditions in which people live and work. Social determinants of health are the broader factors like socioeconomic status, education level, employment, and access to health care that influence risk, prevention, and health outcomes. These determinants affect what resources people can obtain, the environments they navigate, and their opportunities to maintain well‑being. For example, higher education often improves health literacy and access to information, stable employment can provide health insurance and time for care, and affordable, quality health services enable preventive care and treatment. These factors collectively create differences in health that go beyond biology or individual choices.

Genetic predisposition describes biological factors that people are born with, which can influence disease risk independently of social conditions. Diet and exercise are important lifestyle behaviors, but on their own they don’t capture the social context that shapes whether someone can access healthy foods, safe spaces for activity, or time and resources for self-care.