Which of the following describes social determinants of health?

• A. Non-medical factors such as income, education, housing, employment, neighborhood safety, and access to care.
• B. Medical care quality is the sole determinant of health.
• C. Genetic predisposition is the sole determinant of health.
• D. Health outcomes are entirely due to individual choices.

Answer: (B)

Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that shape health outcomes across populations. These include where people live, work, learn, and play, as well as income, education, housing quality, employment, neighborhood safety, social support, and access to care and services. This perspective recognizes that health is influenced by broader social and economic conditions, not just biology or personal choices.

That’s why describing social determinants as non-medical factors such as income, education, housing, employment, neighborhood safety, and access to care correctly captures the concept. The other statements imply health is determined solely by medical care quality, genetics, or individual choice, which overlooks how context and environment constrain or enable health outcomes. For example, even with good medical care, living in poverty with unstable housing can lead to worse health than living in favorable social conditions.