How to Address Social Determinants of Health to Improve Community Health Outcomes (NURS 4060)

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they play a significant role in shaping health outcomes. Capella University’s NURS 4060: Community Health Nursing course focuses on how addressing these SDOH can improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in communities.

Course Overview:

In NURS 4060, students will learn to identify and address the social determinants of health that impact populations. The course emphasizes the importance of community assessments to determine the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals and communities. Students will explore strategies to mitigate the negative effects of SDOH through policy advocacy, health education, and community-based interventions.

Key Strategies for Addressing Social Determinants of Health:

Education and Literacy:
Health literacy plays a crucial role in how individuals manage their health. By improving health literacy through community education programs, healthcare professionals can empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their health.
Economic Stability:
Income inequality and poverty are significant SDOH that impact health outcomes. Students will explore strategies for advocating for economic stability in communities, such as job training, affordable housing initiatives, and access to affordable health insurance.
Access to Healthcare:
Limited access to quality healthcare services is a major determinant of poor health. In NURS 4060, students will learn how to address access barriers, such as transportation issues, lack of insurance, and geographic isolation, to ensure that all community members can access necessary healthcare services.
Social Support Networks:
Social isolation and lack of community support networks can worsen health outcomes. Students will learn to build social support systems in the community, such as peer support groups and community outreach programs, to enhance mental health and well-being.
Environmental Factors:
The physical environment plays a key role in health, including access to clean air, safe water, and safe living spaces. Students will explore how to advocate for environmental changes, such as reducing pollution, improving sanitation, and creating safe, walkable neighborhoods.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will:

Understand how social determinants of health impact community health outcomes.
Be able to design interventions that address key SDOH, such as education, economic stability, and healthcare access.
Advocate for policies that improve the social conditions affecting health.
Lead community health initiatives that promote health equity and reduce disparities.

Addressing social determinants of health is essential for improving population health. This course gives students the tools to advocate for change and implement strategies that foster a healthier, more equitable society.