Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are conditions to which someone lives and works that are related to health opportunity and access. SDoH include socioeconomic status, education, health & health care, neighborhood & built environment, and social & community context. Rishi Manchanda speaks about how asking and addressing a patient’s contexts of life can lead to a better quality of care. His TEDx Talk emphasizes the fact that health begins at home and in the workplace. Our healthcare system is in dire need of upstream professionals who look for the root cause of health problems. Creating a client’s occupational profile report and a holistic approach to treatment enables OTs to be upstream professionals. 

SDoH can affect the nervous systems ability to function. If a person lives in a stressful or unsafe environment, their body tries to adapt and seek balance. The constant exposure to stress causes wear and tear on the body, known as an allostatic load. People who experience chronic stress have a sympathetic nervous system that does not rest, causing increased blood pressure, headaches, and GI problems. Behavioral factors such as drug and alcohol use can alter neurotransmitter release and brain structures, severely impacting the nervous system. 

The UTHSC OT program requires students to participate in service hours, which enhances key skills linked to becoming an outstanding practitioner. Public service provides the opportunity to engage with people and organizations in the community. This allows us to see and better understand the living or working environment of people who may become our clients. Professional development includes attending organizational meetings as well as continuing education. Opportunities enable us to add to our knowledge and enhance our skills, increasing quality of treatment. Leadership and advocacy hours prepare us to be leader change agents along with advocating for OT services and our clients. Engagement in service hours prepares us as future OT practitioners to think from an upstream approach.