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Daniel J. Pesut, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
and
Karen A. Monsen, PhD, RN, FAMIA, FNAP, FAAN
This second of five courses focuses on how social determinants of health affects vulnerable populations. Focusing on four groups of vulnerable populations, students will examine how social determinants of health contribute to the poor health outcomes experienced by these populations. The topics of this course include:
1. Poverty
2. Women’s Health
3. Gender and LGBTQI+ Health
4. Family Health
5. Data Applications: t-test Analysis and Box Plot Visualization
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/y42znz/social
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What's inside
Syllabus
Poverty
In this module, we will discuss how poverty relates to health as we examine the interrelationships between poverty and other social determinants of health. In lesson one, we will define poverty, as we explore how poverty both causes and is caused by poor health. We will also look at some policy perspectives aimed at eradicating poverty. In lesson two, we will continue our discussion from lesson one, as we evaluate different approaches, perspectives and solutions to ending poverty. We will also consider how success is measured when evaluating the effectiveness of these proposed interventions.
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Syllabus
Poverty
In this module, we will discuss how poverty relates to health as we examine the interrelationships between poverty and other social determinants of health. In lesson one, we will define poverty, as we explore how poverty both causes and is caused by poor health. We will also look at some policy perspectives aimed at eradicating poverty. In lesson two, we will continue our discussion from lesson one, as we evaluate different approaches, perspectives and solutions to ending poverty. We will also consider how success is measured when evaluating the effectiveness of these proposed interventions.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores social determinants of health, which is a critical topic for understanding health disparities
Focuses on vulnerable populations, making it relevant to students working in healthcare or social work
Taught by instructors who are experts in nursing and public health, ensuring the credibility of the course content
Provides a comprehensive overview of social determinants of health, covering key topics such as poverty, women's health, and LGBTQI+ health
Includes data applications modules that allow students to analyze and interpret social determinants of health data, providing practical skills
May not be suitable for students with no prior knowledge of public health or healthcare, as it assumes some background in these areas
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Reviews summary
Understanding health disparities & data
According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and comprehensive exploration of social determinants impacting vulnerable populations. Students found the modules on poverty, women's health, and LGBTQI+ health particularly insightful, providing a strong foundational understanding. While the content is largely praised for its depth and clarity, some found the final module on Data Applications using R challenging without prior statistical knowledge. The course is considered essential for public health professionals and those interested in health equity, effectively bridging theoretical concepts with practical implications, though some desired more advanced policy discussion.
Course benefits those with a public health background; data module needs attention.
"This course is ideal for anyone with a basic understanding of public health or social sciences, building well on existing knowledge."
"Coming into this, I had no R experience, and the data module was a steep but rewarding learning curve to grasp new analytical skills."
"Prior exposure to statistical concepts and health equity frameworks certainly makes the final section and overall course easier to grasp."
Explores policy solutions to health inequities.
"The course clearly articulates the interrelationships between poverty and health outcomes and potential policy interventions."
"I gained a deeper understanding of how structural racism drives maternal health disparities and what policy strategies can address this."
"I would have welcomed more extensive discussions on global policy solutions to these complex issues, especially cross-country comparisons."
Offers hands-on R application for SDOH data.
"The data applications module was a practical addition, allowing me to apply concepts using R for actual health datasets."
"I learned how to conduct t-tests and create box plots in R, which are useful skills for my professional work in public health."
"While valuable, I felt the R module could benefit from more foundational support for true beginners, as it was a bit fast-paced."
Deep dive into specific at-risk groups.
"The course's dedicated focus on specific vulnerable groups like LGBTQI+ individuals and families was a major strength for me."
"It was valuable to see how social determinants uniquely affect different family structures and women's reproductive health."
"I appreciated the detailed case studies and policy perspectives specifically related to these communities and their challenges."
Addresses critical, timely issues in public health.
"This course delves into incredibly important topics that are crucial for understanding modern health disparities and social justice."
"I found the discussions on how poverty impacts health to be particularly eye-opening and well-researched, very relevant to current events."
"The modules on women's and LGBTQI+ health provided much-needed context and challenged my perspectives on healthcare equity."
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 Social Determinants of Health: Vulnerable Populations with these
activities:
Review notes and readings on social determinants of health from previous coursework or certification programs
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge and ensure a smooth transition into the course.
Browse courses on
Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
Review research articles on social determinants of health
Show steps
Increase foundational understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Show steps
Attend conferences or webinars on social determinants of health
Show steps
Broaden perspectives on social determinants of health by engaging with experts in the field.
Show steps
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a study group to discuss course materials
Show steps
Enhance comprehension of course materials through peer collaboration and discussion.
Show steps
Create an infographic summarizing the key concepts of poverty and its impact on health
Show steps
Enhance understanding of poverty's impact on health and communicate it effectively.
Browse courses on
Poverty
Show steps
Develop a presentation on the Rainbow Model of social determinants of health
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding of the Rainbow Model and its application in promoting child health.
Show steps
Analyze datasets on social determinants of health using statistical software
Show steps
Strengthen analytical skills and data interpretation abilities in the context of social determinants of health.
Show steps
Volunteer in community organizations focused on social determinants of health
Show steps
Gain practical experience working with vulnerable populations and applying knowledge on social determinants of health.
Show steps
Review notes and readings on social determinants of health from previous coursework or certification programs
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge and ensure a smooth transition into the course.
Browse courses on
Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Review research articles on social determinants of health
Show steps
Increase foundational understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Attend conferences or webinars on social determinants of health
Show steps
Broaden perspectives on social determinants of health by engaging with experts in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a study group to discuss course materials
Show steps
Enhance comprehension of course materials through peer collaboration and discussion.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Create an infographic summarizing the key concepts of poverty and its impact on health
Show steps
Enhance understanding of poverty's impact on health and communicate it effectively.
Browse courses on
Poverty
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Develop a presentation on the Rainbow Model of social determinants of health
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding of the Rainbow Model and its application in promoting child health.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Analyze datasets on social determinants of health using statistical software
Show steps
Strengthen analytical skills and data interpretation abilities in the context of social determinants of health.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Volunteer in community organizations focused on social determinants of health
Show steps
Gain practical experience working with vulnerable populations and applying knowledge on social determinants of health.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Career center
Learners who complete Social Determinants of Health: Vulnerable Populations will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators plan and lead educational initiatives and programs to improve public health. This course will help prepare learners for the job by deepening their knowledge of social determinants of health, which are key to understanding how health and well-being are shaped by factors beyond traditional medical care.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. This course is a great fit for those pursuing this field as it provides insights into how social determinants of health affect vulnerable populations.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work at the intersection of healthcare and public health, focusing on preventing disease, promoting health, and improving the quality of life for communities. The course fits well with this role as it provides a framework for understanding the impact of social and environmental factors on health outcomes and interventions.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts play a critical role in shaping health policy by providing data-driven insights to policymakers. This course provides a foundation in understanding the social determinants of health, which is essential for developing effective health policies.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course enhances an epidemiologist's ability to identify and address health disparities by examining how social factors influence health outcomes in different groups.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers serve as liaisons between healthcare systems and underserved communities. This course complements their role by equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on community well-being.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. This course helps build a foundation for their work by exploring the social determinants of health that influence family health outcomes.
Health Services Manager
Health Services Manager
Health Services Managers oversee the administration of healthcare organizations. This course enhances their understanding of the social determinants of health, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and service delivery to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Health Equity Advocate
Health Equity Advocate
Health Equity Advocates work to eliminate health disparities and promote equal access to healthcare. This course provides essential knowledge about the social determinants of health, empowering them to effectively advocate for policies and interventions that address health inequities.
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts use data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. This course may be useful in gaining a deeper understanding of how social determinants of health impact health outcomes, enabling them to identify patterns and trends that inform data-driven decision-making.
Health Insurance Underwriter
Health Insurance Underwriter
Health Insurance Underwriters assess risk and determine premiums for health insurance policies. This course may be useful in understanding the impact of social determinants of health on health outcomes and healthcare costs, which can inform underwriting decisions.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential. This course may be useful in providing insights into the social determinants of health that influence disability, enabling them to develop more effective rehabilitation plans.
Geriatric Social Worker
Geriatric Social Worker
Geriatric Social Workers support the well-being of older adults. This course may be useful in understanding the unique social determinants of health faced by older adults, helping them to develop holistic care plans that address their physical, mental, and social needs.
School Health Educator
School Health Educator
School Health Educators promote health and well-being among students. This course may be useful in equipping them with knowledge about the social determinants of health that impact student health, enabling them to develop effective school health programs.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help individuals with disabilities or injuries improve their ability to perform daily activities. This course may be useful in understanding the social determinants of health that influence occupational performance, enabling them to develop tailored interventions that address the needs of their clients.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/y42znz/social
Reading list
We've selected seven 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
Social Determinants of Health: Vulnerable Populations.
Save
Explores the social and economic factors that contribute to health inequalities around the world, and the policy solutions that can be implemented to address them.
Collection of essays that explore the social determinants of health from a variety of perspectives. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Examines the relationship between health and social justice, and explores how social and economic inequalities can lead to health disparities. It also discusses the role of public health in promoting health equity.
Provides a global perspective on women's health. It examines the social, economic, and political factors that affect women's health, and it discusses the challenges and opportunities for improving women's health outcomes.
Save
Provides a policy perspective on the social determinants of health. It examines the role of government in addressing the social determinants of health, and it discusses the challenges and opportunities for policy change.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of family health from a nursing perspective. It valuable resource for nurses who want to provide care to families of all types.
Provides a global perspective on women's health. It examines the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect women's health, and it discusses the challenges and opportunities for improving women's health outcomes.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/y42znz/social
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Minnesota
Instructors
Daniel J. Pesut, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Karen A. Monsen, PhD, RN, FAMIA, FNAP, FAAN
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Social Determinants of Health: Data to Action. It's comprised of five courses:
- Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health
- Social Determinants of Health: Methodological Opportunities
- Social Determinants of Health: Vulnerable Populations (viewing)
- Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems
- Introduction to Social Determinants of Health
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