Social determinants of health

This is an introductory course on the social determinants of population health with a focus on the United States. This course will introduce or strengthen your knowledge of health-related issues that examine the behavioral, psychological, and structural factors in population health beyond the health care system. We will examine the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health inequities and propose innovative ways to reduce health inequities when the goal is to achieve health equity. This course will increase your awareness, knowledge, and understanding of issues related to the behavioral, psychological, and structural factors that contribute to understanding population health and health inequities. We will discuss conceptual and methodological issues of key importance to health professionals working to achieve health equity in order to reduce health inequities at multiple levels of influence. Opportunities will be provided to practice skills in cultural humility, conducting contentious dialogues, and professional self-assessment. By the end of the course, you will be able to: Discuss the ways in which structural bias, social inequity, and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at the organizational, community, and societal levels