Which of the following is NOT an example of a social determinant of health?

• A. Genetic predisposition.
• B. Income level.
• C. Education opportunities.
• D. Access to safe housing.

Answer: (C)

Social determinants of health are the nonmedical factors that shape health outcomes by influencing people’s daily lives—things like economic stability, education opportunities, and the safety and quality of housing. These determinants determine what resources a person can access, the environments they live in, and the opportunities they have to stay healthy. Genetic predisposition is a biological factor—something inherited that can affect disease risk independent of these social conditions. While genetics can influence how likely someone is to develop a condition, it isn’t shaped by social, economic, or environmental conditions in the way that income, education, or housing quality are. Therefore, the factor that is not a social determinant is genetic predisposition.