Which item is considered a social determinant of health?

• A. Economic stability
• B. Genetic predisposition
• C. Age
• D. Blood type

Answer: (A)

Understanding social determinants of health means recognizing the external conditions shaped by society that influence health outcomes, not innate biology. Economic stability is a social determinant because it reflects income, employment, and financial resources that affect access to nutritious food, safe housing, healthcare, and transportation. When people have stable finances, they’re better able to maintain health, prevent illness, and seek care early, which leads to better health outcomes overall. The other factors are biological or demographic traits: genetic predisposition involves inherited risk, age describes life stage, and blood type is a biological characteristic. These do not represent the social and economic conditions that shape health in the same way.