Which of the following best describes "social determinants of health"?

The concept of "social determinants of health" encompasses a broad range of factors that influence an individual's health outcomes, primarily focusing on the social and economic conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, and play. These elements include but are not limited to socioeconomic status, education, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare, all of which significantly affect health outcomes.

Option B accurately captures this definition by highlighting how socioeconomic status and education are integral components of health outcomes. Lower socioeconomic status can limit access to resources such as nutritious food, stable housing, and quality education, which in turn can lead to poorer health outcomes. Similarly, education can empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health choices and access healthcare services effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not fully encompass the breadth of social determinants. For instance, focusing solely on genetic predispositions misses the important role that environment and social context play in health. Similarly, limiting the definition to only environmental factors disregards the significant influence of socioeconomic status and education, while emphasizing access to advanced medical technology overlooks the broader social context impacting health access and equity. Therefore, option B is the most comprehensive and accurate description of social determinants of health.