Key Concepts in Early Childhood Development and Social Determinants of Health

These flashcards cover key concepts related to early childhood development and the social determinants affecting health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)

The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Child Development

The psychological, physical, and emotional growth of children from birth to adulthood.

Cumulative Effects

The accumulation of advantages or disadvantages that affect health over the lifespan.

Latency Effects

The long-term impacts of early life exposures on health outcomes, regardless of later experiences.

Pathway Effects

The concept that early life circumstances determine later life outcomes, such as socioeconomic status (SES) and education.

Biological Embedding

The process by which human experiences alter biological processes in long-term ways that influence health.

Epigenetic Regulation

Changes in gene expression caused by environmental signals, affecting health without altering DNA sequence.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Stressful or traumatic events experienced during childhood that can negatively impact health and well-being later in life.

Health Literacy

The ability to obtain, process, and understand health information to make informed health decisions.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Housing and Neighborhoods

The physical and social environments where individuals live, which affect health and well-being.

Family Income

The total money earned by a family, influencing access to resources and opportunities.

Educational Attainment

The highest level of education an individual has completed, affecting employment opportunities and health outcomes.

Neonatal Mortality

The death of a live-born baby within the first 28 days of life.

Global Causes of Child Death

Major causes of mortality in children, such as malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, and lack of safe water.