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

    Commercial determinants of health
  • Unhealthy food marketing: Unhealthy food marketing is the promotion of unhealthy foods, such as sugary drinks, processed foods, and fast food. Unhealthy food marketing is often targeted at children and adolescents, who are more likely to be influenced by it.
  • Lack of affordable housing: Lack of affordable housing can lead to overcrowding, which can increase the risk of respiratory infections and other health problems.
Here are some recommendations I would make to the public health department in my community:
  • Invest in programs that address poverty and food insecurity. These programs can help to improve the health of people living in poverty and food insecurity.
  • Regulate unhealthy food marketing. This can help to reduce the exposure of children and adolescents to unhealthy food marketing.
  • Support the development of affordable housing. This can help to reduce the risk of overcrowding and improve the health of people who are living in poverty.
The role of the FNP in addressing social and commercial determinants of health is to provide education and counseling to patients about the importance of these determinants and to help them develop strategies to improve their health. FNP can also advocate for policies and programs that address these determinants. Here are some specific things that FNP can do:
  • Educate patients about the social and commercial determinants of health. FNP can teach patients about the impact of these determinants on health and how they can improve their own health by addressing them.
  • Counsel patients on how to make healthy choices. FNP can help patients to develop strategies for making healthy choices, such as eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco use.
  • Advocate for policies and programs that address social and commercial determinants of health. FNP can work with policymakers and community organizations to advocate for policies and programs that address these determinants.
By addressing social and commercial determinants of health, FNP can help to improve the health of their patients and their communities.  

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 early death.
  • Food insecurity: Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. People who are food insecure are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.