Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Flashcards
What does the term “social determinants of health” (SDOH) refer to?
A) Genetic factors that influence individual health outcomes.
B) Economic and social conditions impacting health and healthcare accessibility.
C) Factors only related to diet and lifestyle choices.
D) Hospital resources available for public health emergencies.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct, as SDOH includes conditions like income, education, and environment, which influence health outcomes. Options A, C, and D don’t fully capture the concept of SDOH.
Which of the following is an example of a social determinant of health related to employment?
A) Access to fresh produce in a low-income neighborhood.
B) Income and job security contributing to lower stress levels.
C) Family support systems influencing mental health.
D) Chronic disease rates across populations.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because employment provides income and often healthcare benefits, which can reduce stress and improve health. Options A, C, and D represent other SDOH but not employment directly.
How can naturopathic doctors (NDs) assess the impact of SDOH on a patient’s health?
A) By focusing solely on biological markers in lab results.
B) By incorporating questions about income, education, and support systems during patient intake.
C) By evaluating only the patient’s mental health status.
D) By assessing only the environmental conditions.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct as comprehensive patient intake regarding SDOH can help NDs understand barriers patients face. A, C, and D don’t provide a full assessment of SDOH.
Which of the following strategies aligns with advocating for systemic health equity? (Added)
A) Focusing primarily on individual interventions.
B) Engaging in policy reform to improve living conditions.
C) Limiting patient advocacy to in-office treatments.
D) Emphasizing patient responsibility for health.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because systemic change through policy reform can address SDOH, improving healthcare access and equity. A, C, and D do not address systemic factors.
What is one potential health outcome of “healthcare deserts” in marginalized areas? (Added)
A) Increased access to preventive care.
B) Lower rates of chronic conditions.
C) Delayed diagnoses and untreated chronic conditions.
D) Higher patient adherence to follow-up care.
Answer: C
Explanation: C is correct as healthcare deserts lead to limited access, delaying diagnosis and treatment. A, B, and D are outcomes more associated with well-resourced areas.
How might marginalized individuals experience barriers to healthcare access?
A) Marginalized individuals often have higher health literacy levels.
B) Financial barriers and social exclusion restrict access to necessary care.
C) Increased healthcare access is provided through government initiatives.
D) More mental health resources are available in low-income areas.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because marginalized groups often face financial and social barriers. Options A, C, and D are inaccurate or less common in these populations.
What is the role of culturally competent care in reducing health disparities?
A) It encourages standardizing treatment protocols across all cultures.
B) It ensures that healthcare providers respect and adapt to patients’ cultural needs.
C) It focuses on minimizing healthcare costs for patients.
D) It replaces conventional treatments with alternative therapies.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct, as culturally competent care emphasizes respecting and responding to patients’ cultural beliefs. Options A, C, and D do not address cultural competency fully.
Which SDOH factor is directly associated with increased rates of asthma in low-income urban areas?
A) Limited access to healthcare providers.
B) High levels of education in affected areas.
C) Poor environmental conditions like air pollution.
D) Stable employment rates in the population.
Answer: C
Explanation: C is correct as pollution in urban areas contributes to asthma. A, B, and D are not direct contributors to asthma related to SDOH.
In what way can naturopathic doctors address the needs of patients affected by SDOH? (Added)
A) By offering generic health plans without considering individual barriers.
B) By recommending affordable, accessible lifestyle and dietary interventions.
C) By referring all SDOH-related concerns to social workers.
D) By advising patients to handle health issues independently.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct, as offering tailored interventions that consider a patient’s financial and social context is effective in SDOH-focused care.
Which initiative might help reduce mental health disparities in underserved populations?
A) Increasing patient wait times for mental health services.
B) Integrating mental health services within primary care settings.
C) Focusing solely on physical health conditions.
D) Encouraging patients to avoid mental health services
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct as mental health integration in primary care can increase access. A, C, and D don’t improve access to mental health care for marginalized groups.
