Which of the following are social determinants of health?

• A. Income
• B. Education
• C. Neighborhood
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that shape how healthy people are, based on where they live, work, learn, and age. Each of the listed elements fits into this broad idea.

Income affects what people can afford—stable housing, nutritious food, transportation, and reduced stress from financial insecurity—factors that clearly influence health outcomes. Education influences health by shaping health literacy, knowledge about healthy behaviors, and opportunities for better jobs and living conditions. Neighborhood matters through the quality of housing, safety, access to clean air and water, availability of healthy foods, and access to healthcare and social supports.

Because income, education, and neighborhood each affect these health-related pathways, all of these together are social determinants of health. That’s why the best answer is that all of the above are social determinants of health.