SDOH Screening Tool - Social Determinants of Health Questionnaire

Understanding Social Determinants of Health: A Comprehensive Screening Tool

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. These include conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, along with the broader economic, social, and political systems that shape daily life. Research shows that SDOH account for 30-55% of health outcomes, making them as critical as medical care in determining overall wellbeing.

This blog post introduces an interactive SDOH Screening Tool that helps you assess key factors affecting your health. Below, we explain the key terms, why they matter, how the calculator works, and how to interpret your results.

Key SDOH Factors Assessed in This Calculator

1. Housing Stability

Definition: Measures whether you have safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Why It Matters: Unstable housing leads to stress, poor sleep, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Homelessness or frequent moves can disrupt access to healthcare.

2. Food Security

Definition: Assesses whether you have reliable access to nutritious food.
Why It Matters: Food insecurity is linked to malnutrition, diabetes, and heart disease. Skipping meals due to financial constraints worsens long-term health.

3. Transportation Access

Definition: Evaluates your ability to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and work.
Why It Matters: Lack of transportation leads to missed healthcare visits, delayed diagnoses, and poor medication adherence.

4. Financial Strain

Definition: Measures economic stability and ability to afford basic needs.
Why It Matters: Financial stress increases mental health issues (anxiety, depression) and reduces preventive healthcare access.

5. Social Connections

Definition: Assesses your support network and sense of community.
Why It Matters: Loneliness and isolation increase risks of heart disease, dementia, and premature death.

6. Health Literacy

Definition: Evaluates your ability to understand and use health information.
Why It Matters: Low health literacy leads to medication errors, missed screenings, and poor chronic disease management.

7. Safety (Home & Neighborhood)

Definition: Checks if you feel safe in your living environment.
Why It Matters: Unsafe environments increase stress, injury risks, and mental health disorders.

How the SDOH Screening Tool Works

This calculator evaluates your responses across these seven categories and generates:

1. An Overall SDOH Score (0-100)

   • 80-100: Low social risk factors (stable resources)

   • 60-79: Moderate risk (some challenges)

   • 40-59: High risk (frequent struggles)

   • Below 40: Critical risk (urgent assistance needed)

2. Category-Specific Scores

   • Shows which areas need the most attention.

3. Personalized Recommendations

   • Actionable steps to improve health based on your results.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Fill in Your Details

   • Age, gender, and location (optional).

2. Answer Questions Honestly

   • Housing, food access, transportation, finances, social life, health knowledge, and safety.

3. Click "Calculate SDOH Score"

   • Get instant results with explanations.

4. Review Recommendations

   • Tailored advice to address your biggest challenges.

Why Should You Take This Screening?

• Identify Hidden Health Risks: Many people overlook how housing, food access, or loneliness impact their health.

• Get Actionable Insights: The tool suggests real-world solutions (e.g., food assistance programs, transportation services).

• Empower Better Decisions: Knowing your SDOH risks helps you advocate for needed support.

Conclusion

Social determinants of health play a massive role in wellbeing—often more than medical care alone. This SDOH screening tool helps you assess risks, understand areas needing improvement, and take steps toward better health.

Try the calculator now and take control of your health beyond just medical checkups!

Final Notes

• Privacy Assured: All calculations happen in your browser—no data is stored or shared.

• For Best Results: Answer honestly to get the most accurate assessment.

• Share with Others: Help friends and family understand their SDOH risks too.

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