For this discussion, take some time to reflect upon 2 concepts that you learned in this course. What are the concepts? What insight or ideas did you gain from learningeach of these concepts? Were there aspects of the concepts that you would challenge? What is the importance of these concepts to public health? How will you use this new wisdom in your current or future career?  In order to earn maximum credit, the comment should be more than your opinion, and more than a quick “off the top of your head” response. Be sure to support your statements, cite sources properly within the text of your comments, and list your reference(s). The response must be a minimum of 250 words.

During this course, I have gained valuable knowledge about several concepts related to public health. Two of the most impactful concepts that I learned are health disparities and social determinants of health.

Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes and health status among different groups of people, often based on their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other factors. I gained insight into the factors that contribute to these disparities, including access to healthcare, environmental exposures, social and economic factors, and individual behavior. I also learned about the impact of these disparities on public health, as they can lead to higher rates of illness, disability, and premature death in certain populations. It was challenging to confront the reality of health disparities in our society, but it was important to learn about these issues in order to work towards addressing them.

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence their health outcomes. This concept highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of health problems rather than just treating the symptoms. I gained insight into the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, such as poverty, education, housing, and access to healthy food and safe neighborhoods. I also learned about the ways that public health professionals can work to address social determinants through policy, advocacy, and community-based interventions.

One aspect of these concepts that I would challenge is the role of individual responsibility in health outcomes. While individual behavior certainly plays a role in health outcomes, it is important to recognize the impact of structural factors that may limit individual choices and opportunities.

The importance of these concepts to public health cannot be overstated. Health disparities and social determinants of health are critical factors that affect the health of individuals and communities. Addressing these issues is essential to achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for all populations.

I will use this new wisdom in my future career as a healthcare professional by advocating for policies and interventions that address health disparities and social determinants of health. I will also strive to approach public health challenges with a critical and reflective mindset, using evidence-based strategies to address complex health problems.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Social determinants of health: Know what affects health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
2. Health Resources and Services Administration. (2021). Health disparities. Retrieved from https://www.hrsa.gov/about/organization/bureaus/ohe/health-equity-disparities/health-disparities