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Briana Mezuk and Belinda Needham

Why are some groups healthier than others, and how do these differences emerge and persist over the life course? How do social policies (e.g., housing, transportation, employment) relate to health and health inequalities? Why are there health disparities even in countries that have free universal health care? This course will address conceptual models for understanding health disparities in the US and internationally, how population science identifies the main sources of these disparities, and how public health can inform policy efforts to address these disparities.

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Why are some groups healthier than others, and how do these differences emerge and persist over the life course? How do social policies (e.g., housing, transportation, employment) relate to health and health inequalities? Why are there health disparities even in countries that have free universal health care? This course will address conceptual models for understanding health disparities in the US and internationally, how population science identifies the main sources of these disparities, and how public health can inform policy efforts to address these disparities.

After taking this course, you will be able to identify ways in which conditions in the healthcare setting and at work, school, and home influence health; identify models for considering how the social context provides both sources of stress and sources of support for health; and explain how social and physical environments, including schools and workplaces, the healthcare system, and neighborhoods, shape health and health inequalities over the life course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
This unit will introduce the social determinants of health framework and provide an overview of how stress and social connections impact health.
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Week 2
This unit will provide an overview of the ways in which the work and school contexts shape health.
Week 3
This unit will introduce the healthcare system and discuss its impact on health disparities.
Week 4
This unit will explore ways in which neighborhoods and the environment affect health.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers a range of topics that are central to understanding health disparities
Taught by instructors with expertise in the field of health disparities
Provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in public health or health policy
Examines the social determinants of health, which are often overlooked in traditional medical training
Suitable for students with a background in public health, sociology, or a related field

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Reviews summary

Course on social influence on health

According to students, this course provides an interesting learning experience that is largely well received. Those taking the course have remarked especially on the engaging videos that are included. Overall, the sentiment toward this course is largely positive.
Engaging videos are a key feature of this course.
"I was very impress with the video (I'll Rather Stay)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Influence of Social Context on Health with these activities:
Review 'Social Determinants of Health'
Reading and understanding this book will lay a strong foundation for the course.
View The Status Syndrome on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3
  • Take notes on the key concepts
  • Write a summary of the main arguments
Identify social determinants of health
Practicing this skill will help you identify the factors that influence health disparities.
Show steps
  • Use the CDC's Social Determinants of Health Framework
  • Identify the social determinants of health in a case study
Create a mind map of the social determinants of health
Creating a mind map will help you visualize the relationships between different social determinants of health.
Show steps
  • Start with a central concept (e.g., health)
  • Add branches for each social determinant of health
  • Include sub-branches for specific examples
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Identify ways in which healthcare influences health disparities
This activity will help you understand the role healthcare plays in health disparities by reviewing concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Healthcare System
Show steps
  • Review notes and materials from previous courses related to healthcare and health disparities.
  • Conduct online research on healthcare systems and their impact on health outcomes.
  • Identify specific examples of how healthcare policies and practices contribute to health disparities.
Use the CDC's Health Impact Assessment Tool
This tutorial will teach you how to use a tool that can help you assess the impact of policies and programs on health.
Browse courses on Health Impact Assessment
Show steps
  • Visit the CDC's website
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorial
  • Apply the tool to a real-world example
Develop a presentation on the impact of neighborhood conditions on health
By creating a presentation, you will synthesize your knowledge of how neighborhood conditions affect health and develop your communication skills.
Show steps
  • Gather data on neighborhood conditions and their relationship to health outcomes.
  • Identify specific examples of how neighborhood conditions can contribute to health disparities.
  • Develop visual aids and talking points for your presentation.
Discuss the role of social and physical environments in shaping health
Engaging in discussions with peers will allow you to share and learn from diverse perspectives on the complex relationship between social and physical environments and health.
Show steps
  • Identify specific social and physical environmental factors that can influence health.
  • Discuss examples of how these factors can contribute to health disparities.
  • Share personal experiences or insights related to the topic.
Review 'Social Determinants of Health' by Nancy Krieger
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health, which will help you understand the broader context of health disparities.
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and first chapter to gain an overview of the topic.
  • Summarize each chapter in your own words, focusing on key concepts and theories.
  • Identify specific examples of social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes.
Analyze case studies on health disparities
Practicing the analysis of case studies will enhance your ability to identify and address health disparities in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Review the case studies provided in the course materials.
  • Identify the key factors contributing to health disparities in each case.
  • Develop and evaluate potential interventions to address the identified disparities.
Develop a research proposal on a specific aspect of health disparities
Initiating a research project will enable you to delve deeply into a specific area of interest related to health disparities and contribute to the field.
Browse courses on Research Proposal
Show steps
  • Identify a specific research question or hypothesis related to health disparities.
  • Develop a literature review to support your research proposal.
  • Outline a research design and methodology.
Contribute to open-source projects related to health disparities
Participating in open-source projects will provide you with practical experience in addressing health disparities while contributing to the community.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to health disparities.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase.
  • Identify areas where you can make meaningful contributions.
Volunteer at an organization focused on addressing health disparities
Volunteering will allow you to gain hands-on experience working with populations affected by health disparities and contribute to community efforts.
Browse courses on Health Disparities
Show steps
  • Research organizations working to address health disparities in your area.
  • Identify opportunities to volunteer your time and skills.
  • Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.

Career center

Learners who complete The Influence of Social Context on Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Policy Analyst
As a Health Policy Analyst, you analyze health care policies and their impact on the health of populations. You use your knowledge of social determinants of health to advocate for policies that promote health equity. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the social determinants of health, which is essential for your work in health policy analysis.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to tailor their programs to the needs of specific populations. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Public Health Educator.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and illness in populations. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to identify and address the factors that contribute to health disparities. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Epidemiologist.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate the social service system and access the resources they need to improve their health and well-being. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to advocate for their clients and to develop programs that address the social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Social Worker.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care and work to promote health and prevent disease. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Registered Nurse.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Physician Assistant.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people regain movement and function after an injury or illness. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Physical Therapist.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people regain their ability to perform everyday activities after an injury or illness. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Occupational Therapist.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to tailor their programs to the needs of specific populations. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Health Educator.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the nutritional needs of their clients and to develop culturally competent nutrition plans. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Nutritionist.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their speech, language, and swallowing skills. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Speech-Language Pathologist.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide medication counseling to patients. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the needs of their patients and to provide culturally competent care. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Pharmacist.
Health Economist
Health Economists study the economic aspects of health care. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to understand the impact of health care policies on the health of populations. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Health Economist.
Health Services Manager
Health Services Managers plan, organize, and direct the delivery of health care services. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to develop programs and policies that promote health equity. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Health Services Manager.
Health Policy Researcher
Health Policy Researchers study the impact of health policies on the health of populations. They use their knowledge of social determinants of health to identify and address the factors that contribute to health disparities. This course would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Health Policy Researcher.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Influence of Social Context on Health.
This comprehensive report provides a detailed examination of the social determinants of health in the United States and the role of policy in addressing health disparities.
Provides a global perspective on health disparities, examining the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health inequalities worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of health disparities to achieve health equity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health, including an in-depth discussion of the relationship between stress and health and the role of social support in promoting health. Serves as a valuable reference for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of public health.
Provides a critical analysis of the social justice implications of health disparities. It explores the ethical and policy challenges of addressing health inequalities and advocates for a social justice approach to public health.
Examines the complex relationship between neighborhoods and health. It explores how neighborhood factors, such as housing, transportation, and social cohesion, influence health outcomes and contribute to health disparities.

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