Core Health Definitions + Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Population Health

Focuses on health outcomes of a defined group (by geographic area, patient group, or specific condition like diabetes) and how social determinants influence those outcomes. It uses an outcome-driven approach to deliver value-based care at a reasonable cost.

Public Health

Focuses on protecting and improving the health of whole societies through disease prevention, health policy, and social justice/equity.

Community Health

Focuses on localized, evidence-based efforts targeting a specific community defined by geography, culture, or shared traits (e.g., local health fairs, community health worker initiatives)

Economic Stability

Employment, income, expenses, debt, medical bills, support

Neighborhood and Physical Environment

Housing, transportation, parks, playgrounds, walkability, zip code/geography.

Education

Literacy, language, early childhood education, vocational training, higher education

Food

Food security, access to healthy options

Community, Safety, & Social Context

Social integration, support systems, community engagement, stress, exposure to violence/trauma, policing/justice policy

Health Care System

Health coverage, provider/pharmacy availability, access to linguistically/culturally appropriate care, quality of care