Which concept addresses how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health outcomes?

• A. Health literacy
• B. Social determinants of health
• C. Edentulism
• D. Caries

Answer: (B)

Social determinants of health describe how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health outcomes by shaping access to resources, exposure to risks, and stress levels across communities. This concept is the best fit because it accounts for the broad external influences on health, not just an individual's ability to understand health information or a specific disease state. Health literacy focuses on obtaining, processing, and understanding health information, which is important but narrower. Edentulism and caries are specific dental conditions, not the overall factors that determine health outcomes. Recognizing these determinants helps explain why health outcomes vary and guides interventions to improve health at the population level.