Category: Social Determinants of Health

Marriage provides health benefits – and here’s why

One theory that seeks to explain the link between marriage and health is the act of self-selection. Simply put, people who are wealthier and healthier than average are more likely not only to get married but also to find a partner who is wealthier and healthier than average. While this may be part of the story, marriage also provides partners with a sense of belonging, more opportunities for social engagement and reduced feelings of loneliness. This social integration, or the extent to which people participate in social relationships and activities, can greatly influence health – from reducing the risk of hypertension and heart disease to lowering one’s risk of death or suicide.

January 12, 2023 Child Health / Pregnancy / Social Determinants of Health

US birth rates are at record lows – even though the number of kids most Americans say they want has held steady

Birth rates are falling in the U.S.and are now close to the lowest level in a century. Is this decline because, as some suggest, young people aren’t interested in having children? Or are people facing increasing barriers to becoming parents?

Olympia Washington State Capitol Panorama

January 11, 2023 Abortion / Environment / Environmental Health / Mental Health / Social Determinants of Health

Washington’s homelessness challenge focus of Inslee’s State of the State address

“When there’s not enough housing for all, rents and prices skyrocket beyond what many can afford,” Inslee said. “An until we fix our housing crisis, thousands of people will remain homeless.”

July 18, 2022 Dementia / Prevention / Social Determinants of Health

How your status, where you live and your family background affect your risk of dementia

Socioeconomic status has been closely linked to a range of health disorders, and dementia is no exception. Studies across multiple countries have shown people with higher socioeconomic status are less likely to develop dementia.

January 22, 2022 Minorities / Social Determinants of Health

How the pandemic’s unequal toll on people of color underlines US health inequities – and why solving them is so critical

Differences in the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live and work can lead to health disparities.

December 30, 2021 Coronavirus / Health Policy / Social Determinants of Health

Social factors are as important as pills and vaccines in the battle against Covid

Socioeconomic status, occupation and economic mobility and the primary drivers of unequal health outcomes.

August 3, 2021 Health Costs / Health Policy / Social Determinants of Health

U.S. health system ranks last among 11 high-income nations, study finds.

Remarkably, a high-income person in the U.S. was more likely to report financial barriers than a low-income person in nearly all the other countries surveyed: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.

MaxPixel.net Trees Space Needle Seattle Landscape Silhouette

July 6, 2021 Environment / Social Determinants of Health

Trees: The Critical Infrastructure Low-Income Neighborhoods Lack

The wealthiest Seattle neighborhoods have 65% more tree canopy cover than the highest poverty neighborhoods.

July 2, 2021 Aging / Social Determinants of Health

The dip in the US birthrate isn’t a crisis, but the fall in immigration may be – UW researcher warns

Migrants tend to be young, and to work. They contribute to the economy and bring dynamism to the society, along with supporting existing retirees, reducing the burden on current workers.

May 7, 2021 Mental Health / Prevention / Social Determinants of Health

Here’s a mental health workout that’s as simple as ABC

There are simple and practical ways that can help everyone to enjoy good mental health.

March 25, 2021 Coronavirus / Social Determinants of Health

Culture matters a lot in successfully managing a pandemic – and many countries that did well had one thing in common

Countries that prioritize the well-being of society in general have have fared better over the past year than more individualistic cultures.

March 10, 2021 Coronavirus / Ethics / Social Determinants of Health

Helpful behavior during pandemic tied to recognizing common humanity, UW study finds

A new University of Washington study links helpful behavior during the pandemic, such as donating medical supplies, to individuals’ feelings of connection to others