Which item is NOT typically considered a social determinant of health?

Which item is NOT typically considered a social determinant of health?

• A. Eye color
• B. Income
• C. Education
• D. Housing

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is distinguishing what counts as a social determinant of health versus a biological trait. Eye color is a genetic, biological characteristic that isn’t shaped by social conditions, policies, or access to resources. It doesn’t reflect the environmental or societal factors that influence health outcomes. In contrast, income, education, and housing are classic social determinants because they are shaped by social structures and resources and they affect health through access to care, health literacy, living conditions, stress, nutrition, and exposure to hazards. So eye color is not typically considered a social determinant of health.

The main idea here is distinguishing what counts as a social determinant of health versus a biological trait. Eye color is a genetic, biological characteristic that isn’t shaped by social conditions, policies, or access to resources. It doesn’t reflect the environmental or societal factors that influence health outcomes. In contrast, income, education, and housing are classic social determinants because they are shaped by social structures and resources and they affect health through access to care, health literacy, living conditions, stress, nutrition, and exposure to hazards. So eye color is not typically considered a social determinant of health.