Assessment of Social Determinants of Health among the General Population in Thiruvallur District: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: SDOH refer to the environmental, economic, and societal factors that influence health outcomes by shaping the conditions in which individuals are born, develop, reside, labor, and age. These factors, including socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, access to healthcare, and social support networks, profoundly influence individual’s health and well-being. Comprehending and tackling these factors is crucial for enhancing overall population health and minimizing inequalities among varied communities. Aim: To assess the social determinants of health among the general population of Thiruvallur district. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 outpatients reported to Priyadarshini Dental College and Hospital in Thiruvallur and participated in the study. It was conducted from December 15, 2023 to January 30, 2024. A self-structured and validated questionnaire, which consisted of 16 questions, was distributed individually, and the participants were given 15 min to fill out the form the data were collected on the same day itself. Participants were selected using convenience sampling from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and the sample size was calculated using pilot study and g power software with an alpha error of 0.05 and power of the study of 80%. Results: The study reveals significant associations between gender and several SDOH. Income sufficiency, educational opportunities, and smoking/drinking habits exhibit notable gender disparities ( P < 0.001). Factors such as difficulty in paying for essentials and feelings of loneliness do not show significant gender-based differences. Conclusion: The statistical analysis underscores the nuanced relationship between gender and various SDOH. While income sufficiency, educational opportunities, and smoking/drinking habits exhibit significant gender disparities, factors such as difficulty in paying for essentials and feelings of loneliness do not display significant gender-based differences. Ultimately, prioritizing gender-sensitive healthcare policies and programs can contribute to advancing health equity and creating healthier and more resilient communities.