Exploring the Social Determinants of Health - Week 2

This set of flashcards includes key terms and concepts from the lecture on the social determinants of health, particularly focusing on stress and its impact on health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health

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

Stress

The experiences people have when facing challenging events or conditions that exceed their resources for coping.

Stressor

Challenging events or conditions that induce stress, including both dramatic threats and everyday hassles.

Stress Response

The behavioral and physiological processes triggered by a stressor.

Preterm Birth

A birth that occurs before 37 completed weeks of gestation.

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress that may lead to health problems, often associated with prolonged exposure to stressors.

Coping Resources

The tools or support systems individuals use to manage stress.

Cortisol

A type of steroid hormone produced in response to stress, affecting numerous body systems.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

A major neuroendocrine system that regulates stress response by controlling the release of cortisol.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress.

Physiological Mechanisms

The biological processes triggered by stress that can lead to disease.

Social Support

The perception and reality of being cared for, valued, and part of a social network.

Resilience

The ability to recover from or adjust easily to adversity or change.

Economic Strain

Financial stress due to limited resources affecting health and well-being.

Racial Disparities

Health differences that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage based on race.

Chronic Diseases

Long-term health conditions that can be managed but not cured, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Behavioral Change

Modifications in behavior, often influenced by stress levels and coping mechanisms.

Health Policies

Strategies and actions taken by governments or organizations to improve public health.

Maternal Stress

Stress experienced by mothers, particularly during pregnancy, which can impact birth outcomes.

Cardiovascular Disease

A class of diseases involving the heart or blood vessels, often linked to stress and lifestyle.

Mental Health Outcomes

The psychological effects of stress that can lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Quality of Life

The general well-being of individuals and societies, outlining health, comfort, and happiness.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes among different populations often influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Coping Strategies

Techniques that individuals use to manage stress and difficult situations.

Environmental Stressors

External factors in surroundings that contribute to stress levels.

Under-Resourced Areas

Locations with insufficient economic and social resources impacting health.

Public Health Interventions

Programs designed to improve health or address health-related issues in a community.

Socioeconomic Status

An individual or group's social and economic standing, which influences health outcomes.