Introduction

Public health is a field that constantly seeks ways to better the lives and health of communities. According to [1], social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. As public health professionals strive to address health disparities, understanding these social determinants is important, specifically in urban communities where the effects of inequality are often magnified.

Understanding Social Determinants of Health

The World Health Organization [2] characterizes social determinants of health as the environments in which individuals are born, develop, reside, work, and grow older. These factors include education, employment, income, social support, and the built environment. In urban settings, where various populations come together, the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) can be significant. Poor access to healthcare, substandard housing, high levels of unemployment, and limited educational opportunities contribute to health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. However, ineffective policies and programs, along with socioeconomic factors, can lead to negative conditions [3]. Research indicates that social determinants of health (SDOH) have a more significant impact on health outcomes than genetic factors or access to healthcare services [4].

Health Disparities in Urban Communities

The health disparities faced by migrants and disadvantaged groups within urban settings are underscored by multiple intersecting factors. According to the World Health Organization [5], these populations are frequently situated in the most deprived neighborhoods, characterized by environmental degradation and limited resources. They lack access to essential services, which adversely may affect their health outcomes. Additionally, research conducted by Logan et al. [6] highlights that urban slums are burdened with a higher prevalence of infectious diseases and environmental hazards, emphasizing the vulnerability of their inhabitants. This reality is compounded by significant challenges such as food insecurity, as many of these neighborhoods are deemed food deserts. The lack of access to nutritious food options contributes to suboptimal dietary habits, leading to rising obesity rates and chronic health conditions among the residents.

Furthermore, urban areas with higher levels of air and water pollution often experience higher incidences of respiratory diseases and other health problems. Urban dwellers may experience temperatures that are 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than those in surrounding rural areas [5]. The implications of these temperature differences can significantly impact both public health and environmental sustainability. Therefore, addressing health disparities in these communities requires targeted interventions that consider the SDOH impacting residents.

Strategies for Addressing Disparities

To effectively tackle health disparities in urban areas, public health initiatives must adopt a multifaceted approach. Here are several strategies that can be considered.

1. Community Engagement: Engaging community members in identifying their health needs and advocating for resources is critical. Grassroots organizations can play a vital role in mobilizing residents, creating awareness about health issues, and fostering a sense of ownership over community health.
2. Policy Advocacy: Public health professionals must support initiatives and interventions that address disparities in health outcomes. This includes supporting initiatives that improve access to healthcare, enhance educational opportunities, and create safe environments for physical activity.
3. Education and Outreach: Educational programs should be customized to meet the specific needs of the diverse populations within a community. Outreach initiatives must address and prioritize educational requirements, such as blood pressure screenings, promoting physical activity, encouraging healthy eating, ensuring follow-up, and adhering to healthcare providers' recommendations.
4. Collaboration: Building partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies can amplify the impact of public health initiatives. Collaborative efforts can lead to comprehensive strategies that address the issues of urban populations.

Data Collection and Research: Ongoing research and data gathering are essential for understanding the evolving relationship between social determinants and health outcomes. This knowledge can inform focused interventions and policy choices that respond to the urgent problems of the community.

Conclusion

To address health disparities in urban communities, it is crucial to understand the social determinants that contribute to these inequalities. Public health practitioners can significantly influence outcomes by prioritizing community needs, championing policy reforms, delivering educational initiatives, promoting collaborative efforts, and committing to continuous research.

Competing Interests:

The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. Retrieved: Social determinants of health.

2. World Health Organization. (2024). "Social Determinants of Health: Key concepts. Retrieved Social determinants of health: Key concepts.

3. Islam M. M. (2019). Social Determinants of Health and Related Inequalities: Confusion and Implications. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 11. View

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC (2024). Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). View

5. World Health Organization. (2021). Urban health. Retrieved: Urban health.

6. Logan, M., Darlington, D. F., Kalpita, S., Margi, S., Pam, F-L., Priti, P., Hector, A -M., Dewi, N. A.Radhika, S., Hemant, C., Kaushik, S., Rajib, D., Leung, N. H., Pradeep, K. S. Lakhanpaul, M. (2024). Understanding one health challenges in marginalized urban settings: A patient and public involvement (PPI) approach from the CHIP consortium activities across four global cities One Health, Volume 19. View