What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, and work that shape their health and quality of life.

Categories of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

The US Department of Health and Human Services buckets SDOH into 5 main categories: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context.

Understanding SDOH can help the pharmaceutical industry tailor patient support and resources to the unique needs of their patient populations. Summaries of each SDOH category are below, including how the pharmaceutical industry may adjust to alleviate the pressures caused by Social Determinants of Health.

Economic Stability

Economic stability includes factors that affect financial security, such as income and employment status. Typically, people with higher incomes and stable jobs have access to better and more consistent healthcare and can afford healthier living conditions. People with lower incomes or unstable employment may struggle to afford the cost of their medications, choosing instead to stretch their prescriptions or forgo treatment altogether. Manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs can ease this financial burden and help patients access the treatment they need.

Education Access and Quality

Also referred to as educational attainment (eg, graduating high school, attending college, or achieving post-graduate degrees), education access and quality often leads to better health outcomes, as health literacy can influence how individuals understand and manage their health and the health of loved ones. Patients with lower health literacy may struggle to understand and adhere to medication regimens, leading to worse health outcomes. Manufacturers should understand the health literacy of their patient populations and tailor educational resources to their specific needs.

Healthcare Access and Quality

Access and quality are crucial to positive health outcomes. This may include having health insurance or being able to access primary and preventive care services. Medication access and availability are just as critical but may not always be attainable for more vulnerable populations (eg, drug shortages). Through financial and other types of assistance, manufacturers should ensure that their products are accessible to all who need them.

Neighborhood and Built Environment

Neighborhood and built environment is the physical environment in which people live and work. Housing quality, consistent access to nutritious food, and safe environments for physical activity have tremendous effects on health outcomes. While the intersection between the pharmaceutical industry and built environment is less pronounced, neighborhoods with disparate resources may have fewer pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Manufacturers may look to engage in efforts and/or programs to improve health infrastructure in more disadvantaged neighborhoods. 

Social and Community Context

Social and community context includes social support networks and community engagement. Social isolation, discrimination, and language barriers can lead to negative health outcomes, particularly if patients are uncomfortable or unable to access the health services and treatments they need. Manufacturer partnerships with community organizations to promote health initiatives can enhance access to medications and health information, particularly in underserved communities.

Why Are SDOH Important to the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) not only allow pharmaceutical companies to understand their patient populations by providing insights into the diverse factors affecting patient health, but also may improve health outcomes by addressing SDOH and their impact on patient healthcare access. Other ways that integrating SDOH data into an overall strategy helps pharmaceutical companies include:

• Enhancing Market Access: Awareness of SDOH allows pharmaceutical companies to identify and address barriers to accessing medications. This understanding can inform market access strategies, ensuring that products reach underserved populations and improving market penetration
• Driving Innovation: Knowledge of SDOH can spur innovation in drug development and delivery. Companies can create solutions that address specific community needs or develop programs that improve healthcare access, enhancing the value of their offerings
• Compliance and Reporting: Many regulatory bodies and payers are increasingly focusing on health equity and outcomes related to SDOH. Pharmaceutical companies need to consider these determinants in their compliance and reporting strategies to align with regulatory expectations and enhance their reputation
• Partnership Opportunities: Engaging with community organizations and healthcare professionals focused on SDOH can create partnership opportunities. Collaborating with these stakeholders can help pharmaceutical companies implement programs that improve health access and outcomes in target populations
• Cost Reduction: By addressing SDOH, pharmaceutical companies can potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with poor health outcomes. Preventing complications and promoting adherence can lead to lower overall healthcare expenditures for both patients and the healthcare system
• Aligning with Public Health Goals: Many public health initiatives focus on reducing health disparities related to SDOH. By aligning their strategies with these goals, pharmaceutical companies can contribute to broader societal health improvements and enhance their corporate social responsibility

SDOH Strategy

Understanding and addressing SDOH is vital for the pharmaceutical industry to enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. For tailored insights on how to leverage SDOH in your market access strategy, contact us today.