Health Science

From Knowledge to Practice: A Guide to Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Abilene, Texas

Keith Gray
Abilene Christian University

Today, public health and medical professionals recognize that health outcomes are influenced by more than biology and genetics alone. Social determinants of health encompass a range of socioeconomic and environmental factors, including income, employment, education, neighborhood conditions, geographic location, race, and access to healthcare services. Together, these factors significantly influence health outcomes and overall well-being. Awareness of social determinants is essential for healthcare professionals, as consideration of these factors can improve patient care and promote more equitable health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine how healthcare practitioners in and around Abilene, Texas, perceive, understand, and navigate social determinants of health within their clinical practice and how these perceptions inform the delivery of care to underserved populations. Data was collected using an anonymous Google Forms survey consisting of 23 total questions, including five demographic and eligibility screening questions and 18 Likert-scale items. Survey questions assessed healthcare professionals' knowledge of social determinants of health, perceptions of their impact on patient outcomes. The initial findings indicate that surveyed healthcare professionals in Abilene, Texas, and the surrounding areas are aware of the role that social determinants of health play in patient care and generally feel competent in addressing them. However, most respondents agreed that there is insufficient support for healthcare professionals and a lack of clear guidelines for addressing the nonmedical challenges patients face. The results highlight the need to address structural issues within patient care, recognizing that improving patient outcomes requires attention to factors beyond physical health. 

Socioeconomic Status Determines Damage from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Women of Color
 

Isabella Demartino
California State University, Sacramento

Modern research has established the fact that women are more likely to have an autoimmune disease in comparison to their male counterparts.[DH1.1] Yet there is little research regarding the fact that minority women of a lower socioeconomic status, specifically Black and Hispanic/Latine women, are much more likely to have an autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE, in comparison to their white female counterparts. SLE is a disease that is most prevalent in Black and Hispanic/Latine women after they have passed childbearing age and is, according to the CDC, most associated with fatigue and can in turn “affect a person's physical and mental health and quality of life. Individuals with lupus find difficulty in socially connect with others.” Research has highlighted SLE as being the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. for Black and Latine/Hispanic females aged 15-24, and the sixth leading cause of death for this same demographic, aged 25-34 years old. This paper outlines [DH2.1]the current gaps in research regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status of women who identify as Black and Hispanic/Latine, and the association this demographic has for an increased risk/development of SLE. A systematic scoping review process was conducted to determine the preexisting journal articles that highlight main socioeconomic factors that’ve been determined to be major variables in the increased mortality rate that minority women with SLE face, in comparison to their white counterparts diagnosed with the same disease. 

International Dietary Guidelines: A Comparative Analysis
 

Deograce Tshilumba Musue 
Abilene Christian University

This comparative analysis examines the national dietary guidelines of seven countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Sweden, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to highlight global approaches to promoting health and nutrition. Methods:  A table with categories of dietary guidelines included specific guidelines for each country.  The guidelines were compared among the nations. Results:  While each country’s guidelines are shaped by distinct cultural, economic, and public health priorities, common themes emerge, such as the emphasis on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing sugar and salt intake, and limiting the consumption of saturated fats. The United States and the United Kingdom present detailed, science-based recommendations that emphasize calorie control, balanced macronutrient intake, and the prevention of chronic diseases. India and Japan integrate traditional dietary patterns, with Japan focusing on portion control and food diversity and India emphasizing plant-based staples and food safety. Sweden adopts a sustainability-centered approach, linking diet to the environment. Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s guidelines focus on addressing food security and undernutrition through culturally relevant and locally available foods. Conclusion:  The study underscores the importance of tailoring dietary guidelines to national contexts.  Culture appears to influence dietary guidelines in each country studied.  Although there are similarities, there are also distinct differences. Future Directions: A study encompassing multiple countries would be informative about how food is perceived and linked to health.