SODH

Sample Answer

1. Identify and Briefly Define One Domain of the SDOH

One crucial domain of the Social Determinants of Health is Economic Stability.

Definition: Economic stability refers to the financial resources and security an individual or family possesses, including factors like income, employment, debt, housing stability, and food security. It reflects a person's ability to meet their basic needs and manage unforeseen financial shocks.

2. Describe How the Selected Domain Impacts Health Outcomes in Your Community (Kenya)

In my community (Kenya), Economic Stability profoundly impacts health outcomes in numerous ways:

Access to Healthcare: Low income and unemployment directly limit people's ability to afford essential healthcare services. This includes paying for consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and transport to health facilities. Many Kenyans rely on out-of-pocket payments, and without stable income, they often delay or forgo seeking medical attention until conditions become severe, leading to worse prognoses and higher treatment costs.

Nutrition and Food Security: Economic instability often translates directly into food insecurity. Families with limited income struggle to afford nutritious food, leading to reliance on cheaper, less healthy, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor options. This contributes to malnutrition (both undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in children) and an increased risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension in adults.