A public health nurse is preparing an educational session at a community health center about the social determinants of health (SDOH). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A. Psychological factors are typically classified under individual health behaviors or biological characteristics rather than the broad societal and environmental structures of SDOH. While mental health is influenced by SDOH, the determinants themselves refer to the external conditions of life and work. Confusing internal psychological states with external social drivers can lead to an incomplete public health assessment. B. Ethnic background is a demographic characteristic, but it is not the sole determinant of an individual's health outcomes. SDOH focus on the external economic and social conditions, such as neighborhood safety and housing quality, that affect all groups regardless of their specific heritage. Attributing health outcomes only to ethnicity ignores the systemic and environmental factors that drive health inequities. C. Identifying and addressing social determinants is a primary strategy used to decrease health disparities and promote health equity within a community. Recognizing that a lack of transportation or food insecurity prevents health maintenance allows the nurse to implement targeted interventions. Failing to identify these factors actually perpetuates existing disparities by ignoring the root causes of poor health. D. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age. These factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, and physical environment, have a profound impact on a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. Understanding these environmental drivers is essential for developing effective community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs.