Social Determinants of Health

Your health isn’t just about your choices or genetics. Where you live, work, and grow up also affects your well-being. These are called the social determinants of health.

What are social determinants of health?

The twelve social determinants of health are social and economic factors that impact your life and health. They shape your experiences and opportunities to live a healthy life. Here are the main ones:

1. Income and social status

2. Employment and working conditions

3. Education and literacy

4. Childhood experiences

5. Physical environments

6. Social supports and coping skills

7. Healthy behaviours

8. Access to health services

9. Biology and genetic endowment

10. Gender

11. Culture

12. Race / Racism

Why do social determinants matter?

Your circumstances play a big role in your health. For example:

• If you have a lower income, it might be harder to afford healthy food or safe housing

• Stress from unsafe working conditions or unemployment can affect both mental and physical health

• Racism, discrimination, or historical trauma can negatively impact certain groups, like Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Black Canadians

By understanding these factors, we can work to remove barriers and create healthier communities for everyone.

Additional resources

Want to explore the social determinants of health? Check out these helpful resources:

• Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada to read about all 12 determinants of health and how they connect to your physical health.

• The Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts: This resource explains how social factors impact health in Canada.

Key Concepts of the Social Determinants of Health: Learn about global health factors from the World Health Organization.