Social determinants of health include biological, environmental, social, and economic factors that influence the access and maintenance of health (Green, 2018). For example, those living in low socioeconomic areas may not have the resources to obtain fresh food and will oftentimes rely on fast food chains. According to a study posted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2004), low-income areas had 2.5 times more fast-food chains than those living in more affluent areas. As a result of this many minorities living in low-income areas have a great risk of obesity and comorbidities such as type II diabetes and hypertension. While the study done by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine was more than five years ago the results of their study continue to be prevalent as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) states children and adolescents are more likely to be obese than their higher-income counterparts. This is an example of how social determinants of health contribute to the development of disease. The child who has grown up with a poor diet is less likely to change their diet habits as adults resulting in fatal health conditions. Social determinants also contribute to the spread of communicable diseases due to crowding, sanitization, uncontaminated water, and access to health care (Green,2018). The infectious disease process of communicable diseases is represented by the chain model also known as the chain of infection. The chain of infection begins with the infectious organism and describes how the organism reproduces and spreads through contact, droplets, or surfaces. As the nurse taking care of an individual with a communicable disease the simplest and most effective form of breaking the chain is by proper handwashing. The nurse can also contribute to the stop of the chain by wiping down surfaces with the proper cleaning agents, placing the appropriate PPE outside of the patient’s room, and clustering care to avoid excessive time inside of the patient’s room. All of these interventions contribute to the stop of the transmission phase of the chain model. Using 200-300 words APA format with references to support the discussion. What are social determinants of health?  Explain how social determinants of health contribute to the development of disease.  Describe the fundamental idea that the communicable disease chain model is designed to represent. Give an example of the steps a nurse can take to break the link within the communicable disease chain.

Social determinants of health refer to the various factors that impact an individual’s access to and maintenance of good health. These determinants encompass biological, environmental, social, and economic factors that can either promote or hinder health outcomes (Green, 2018). For instance, individuals residing in low socioeconomic areas often face barriers in obtaining fresh and nutritious food, and as a result, they may rely on fast food chains for their meals. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2004) found that low-income areas had 2.5 times more fast-food chains compared to more affluent areas. This disparity in access to healthy food options puts individuals in low-income areas, particularly minorities, at a higher risk of obesity and comorbidities such as type II diabetes and hypertension.

Despite the passage of time since the publication of the study, its findings remain relevant. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2018), children and adolescents in low-income households are still more likely to be obese compared to their higher-income counterparts. This example illustrates how social determinants of health can significantly contribute to the development of diseases. A child who grows up with poor dietary habits is less likely to change their eating patterns in adulthood, which can result in serious health conditions.

Furthermore, social determinants of health also play a role in the spread of communicable diseases. Factors such as crowding, poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and limited availability of healthcare services all contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases (Green, 2018). The chain model, also known as the chain of infection, illustrates the process by which communicable diseases are transmitted. It starts with an infectious organism and describes how the organism reproduces and spreads through various modes such as contact, droplets, or contaminated surfaces.

As a nurse caring for individuals with communicable diseases, there are various steps that can be taken to break the link within the communicable disease chain. One of the most simplistic yet effective interventions is proper handwashing. Regular and thorough hand hygiene, using soap and water or hand sanitizer, can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious organisms. Additionally, wiping down surfaces with appropriate disinfectants, placing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) outside the patient’s room, and clustering care to minimize excessive time spent in the patient’s room are all strategies that can contribute to halting the transmission phase of the chain model.

In conclusion, social determinants of health encompass various factors that influence an individual’s ability to access and maintain good health. These determinants contribute to the development of diseases, as seen in the example of low-income areas with limited access to healthy food options leading to higher rates of obesity and comorbidities. The communicable disease chain model represents the process by which infectious diseases are transmitted and emphasizes the importance of interventions such as hand hygiene, surface disinfection, appropriate use of PPE, and clustering care to break the link in the chain of infection. Nurses play a crucial role in implementing these measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.