Florida TaxWatch Explores Social Determinants of Health in Fourth of Five-Part Series, Focuses on Social and Community Context

Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context, the fourth commentary in a five-part series that will explore what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refers to as social determinants of health, or environmental conditions, such as age and economic background, that impact the health of individuals.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, "Research indicates that cultivating healthy social relationships and community initiatives have a positive relationship with overall health and well-being. Social support, community-driven health initiatives, community participation, and adolescent bullying all have an impact on a person's quality of health."

Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said, "The decisions we make that affect our long-term health are clearly influenced by the environment in which we live. Encouraging parents to raise their children in a safe, healthy, and loving environment is fundamental to achieving strong and healthy children and families."

Individuals with social support tend to exhibit greater resilience to stress. Research shows that a lack of social support increases the risk of physical and mental health problems. The American Psychological Association recognizes emotional support to be associated with health problems including high blood pressure, diminished immunity, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.

Children who have experienced a parent or guardian who served time in jail or prison are at a greater risk of facing social challenges. The 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health discovered 6.5 percent of children 17 years and under have experienced a parent or guardian who has served time in jail or prison. The U.S. Department of Health believes that inventions to help people get the social and community support they need are critical from improving health and well-being especially children whose parents are in jail.

A negative correlation exists between adolescent bullying and healthy dietary choices. Empirical research indicates a connection between higher rates of bullying and depression with lower adherence to dietary moderation. However, bullying was negatively correlated with all the dietary habits, except for fast food, sweets, commercially baked goods, and breakfast consumption (i.e., the presence of bullying is positively correlated with eating fast foods, sweets, commercially baked good, and skipping breakfast). Individuals who experience more bullying and depression are more likely to engage in less controlled or unhealthy eating habits.

Creating healthier community-level environments can address public health issues like obesity. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine published a recent study aimed at discovering the impact of various community-level initiatives designed to reduce obesity. The researchers concluded that high-dose obesity prevention strategies can lead to improved health behaviors in the youth community. Additionally, parents, teachers, and staff encouraging students to engage in steady physical activity resulted in a 19 percent increase in moderate or vigorous physical activity during recess.

Community participation in civic activities, such as voting, can empower communities to advocate for better overall health. A 2013 study examined the relationship between health and voter turnout in 30 countries. The results reveal that poor health reduces voting participation, with social connectedness partially mediating the relationship between health and voter turnout. A subsequent study found that this creates a health bias in political voice and that healthy voters are less likely to vote for health expenditures.

The major takeaway from this commentary is that social relationships and health are inherently linked. Those with good social and community relationships generally experience better health throughout their adult lives.

To learn more and access previous Social Determinants of Health, including the first commentaryHealth Care Access and Quality, June 2024, second commentary Education Access and Quality, August 2024, and third commentary Neighborhood & Built Environment, November 2024, please click here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted "eyes and ears" of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.