Social/Commercial determinants of health and health equity

Social/Commercial determinants of health and health equity: The social determinants of health are the circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age and the systems put in place to deal with illness. These circumstances are shaped by a wider set of forces: economics, social policies, politics, and the commercial determinants of health. Social determinants of health matter because addressing them not only helps prevent illness but also promotes healthy lives and societal equity. Commercial determinants of health are the conditions, actions, and omissions by corporate actors that affect health. Commercial determinants arise in providing goods or services for payment and include commercial activities and the environment in which the commerce takes place. They can have beneficial or detrimental impacts on health. how this topic relates to the role of the FNP.
Students are to read the attached two articles discussing social and commercial determinants of health relating to COVID-19. Consider your community and identify two (2) social and two (2) commercial determinants of health you believe have impacted your community in the past two years. What recommendations would you make to the public health department in your community?

Full Answer Section

     
  • Housing instability: Housing instability can also have a negative impact on health. People who are homeless or living in unstable housing are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to health problems.
  • Lack of access to healthcare: Lack of access to healthcare can make it difficult to get the care you need when you are sick or injured. This can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Commercial determinants of health

  • The food industry: The food industry can have a major impact on health. The marketing of unhealthy foods, such as sugary drinks and processed foods, can contribute to obesity and other chronic diseases.
  • The tobacco industry: The tobacco industry is responsible for the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are a major cause of preventable death.
  • The alcohol industry: The alcohol industry is responsible for the sale of alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to a number of health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.
  • The pharmaceutical industry: The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the development and marketing of prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs can have serious side effects, and the cost of prescription drugs can be a barrier to accessing needed care.
  • The technology industry: The technology industry can have a positive or negative impact on health. The use of technology can help people to stay connected and informed, but it can also lead to problems such as addiction and cyberbullying.

These are just a few of the social and commercial determinants of health that have impacted my community in the past two years. The specific determinants that have had the greatest impact will vary depending on the community.

Here are some recommendations I would make to the public health department in my community:

  • Invest in programs that address poverty and unemployment. These programs can help to improve people's access to food, housing, and healthcare, which can lead to better health outcomes.
  • Promote healthy eating and physical activity. This can be done through education campaigns, community gardens, and other initiatives.
  • Regulate the food industry. This could include restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods and taxes on sugary drinks.
  • Reduce tobacco use. This could be done through smoking cessation programs and bans on smoking in public places.
  • Make prescription drugs more affordable. This could be done through government subsidies or price controls.
  • Address the negative impacts of technology. This could include programs to prevent addiction and cyberbullying.

The public health department can play a vital role in addressing the social and commercial determinants of health. By working to improve the conditions in which people live, work, and play, the public health department can help to create a healthier community for everyone.

The role of the FNP in addressing social and commercial determinants of health is to provide care to individuals and families while also working to improve the health of the community as a whole. FNP can do this by:

  • Advocating for policies that address social and commercial determinants of health.
  • Educating patients about the importance of healthy living.
  • Collaborating with other healthcare providers and community organizations to improve the health of the community.

Sample Answer

   

Social determinants of health

  • Poverty: Poverty is a major social determinant of health. People living in poverty are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, such as chronic diseases, mental health problems, and injuries.
  • Unemployment: Unemployment can also have a negative impact on health. People who are unemployed are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to health problems.
  • Food insecurity: Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. People who are food insecure are more likely to experience chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.