Reassessing the Continuum of Social Determinants: A Critical Re-evaluation of Health Equity Interventions in Low-Income Urban Populations

Abstract

The persistent health inequities in low-income urban populations necessitate a critical re-evaluation of the social determinants of health (SDOH). This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of health outcome disparities with qualitative interviews of public health practitioners. Our findings indicate that traditional health equity interventions inadvertently perpetuate systemic inequities due to a lack of contextual understanding. We propose a paradigm shift towards integrative frameworks that prioritize community engagement and contextualized interventions. This research underscores the urgency for public health policies that not only address immediate health outcomes but also dismantle the structural barriers contributing to health disparities.