Which best describes the social determinants of health?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because social determinants of health refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, which significantly impact their health outcomes. These factors include socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environment, employment, and social support. Genetics and individual behavior (choice A) are important but only part of the broader determinants. Availability of health services and technology (choice C) and access to health care services (choice D) are important but do not encompass the full range of social determinants that influence health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, administering vaccines to prevent disease. This is a primary prevention strategy as it aims to prevent the occurrence of disease before it occurs. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response against specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and transmission. Educating children on handwashing (A) is important for hygiene but falls under health promotion, not primary prevention. Screening for early signs of disease (C) is secondary prevention, aiming to detect disease at an early stage to prevent complications. Providing treatment for acute illnesses (D) is tertiary prevention, focusing on managing and minimizing the impact of existing conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because socioeconomic status influences access to resources like nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare services, directly impacting health outcomes. This is supported by numerous studies showing the link between lower socioeconomic status and higher rates of chronic diseases. Choices B and C are incorrect as socioeconomic status does have a significant impact on health, not just mental health. Choice D is incorrect as genetic predisposition to diseases is determined by genetics, not socioeconomic status.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eliminating health disparities among populations. This is the primary objective of public health as it focuses on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to healthcare and resources to achieve optimal health outcomes. By addressing disparities, public health aims to promote health equity and reduce inequalities in health status. Lowering chronic diseases (A) and extending life expectancy (D) are important goals but not the primary objective. Delivering health education (C) is a strategy within public health but not the main objective.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Access to health care. Health disparities are predominantly influenced by unequal access to healthcare services, which can lead to differences in health outcomes among various populations. Limited access to healthcare can result in delayed or inadequate treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes. Lifestyle choices (B) and environmental factors (C) can contribute to health disparities, but access to healthcare plays a more significant role. Social support (D) is important for overall well-being but is not as closely linked to health disparities as access to healthcare.