Historical and Potential Policies to Influence Social and Structural Determinants

Social and structural determinants of health are integral factors for neighborhoods with low or medium incomes that extend beyond biological predispositions and contribute to the health disparities witnessed in these communities. Racial biases and political marginalization that support inequities in access to proper resources and education undermine the public health of historical minorities. This literature review explores how these factors impact such communities in terms of their physical and mental health. Differences in early treatment and preventive medicine as well as food deserts are some of the effects of these disparities. Historical practices like redlining and discriminatory financial policies exacerbate the conditions that exist today in marginalized areas. The impact of the long-term health and well-being of residents is analyzed in case studies in Milwaukee’s historically redlined neighborhoods to demonstrate lower survival rates and heightened disease risks. In order to address these disparities, policies that specifically address and improve social and structural determinants of health must be enacted. Successful practices on an international or state level that could be adopted for the United States as a nation include universal healthcare systems and community-based health initiatives. Improving equality in determinants serves as both a public health strategy that is financially beneficial as well as an ethical responsibility.