Discussion: Social Determinants of Health Among the Female Population

Different factors in society impact both the health and the health-seeking behavior of a
given population at both individual and family levels. Social determinants of health vary from
one population and individual to another (Schuiling, & Likis, 2022). Advanced Nursing
Practitioners are thus required to carry out a risk assessment especially for individuals in most atrisk populations to appropriately manage the presenting healthcare conditions. Creating an
accurate health history of a patient relies on the accuracy of the risk assessment approach used to
understand the underlying social determinants of health for each patient (Schuiling, & Likis,
2022). This discussion presents a summary of the interview I would carry out on an aging
African American grandmother taking care of grandchildren in a rural setting, who is on a
gynecological visit to the hospital. The discussion as well highlights the communication and
interviewing techniques as well as the risk assessment instrument used.
Summary of Interview & Communication Techniques
The interview to obtain the patient’s complete social history would include the following
topics. First, on the patient’s characteristics, I would obtain information on race, ethnicity,
language spoken, sexual practices, and life experience including education and occupation
(Andermann, 2018). Secondly, I would determine the patient’s life circumstances including
marital status, the number of children, and grandchildren, food security, and family structure.
The interview would also feature questions on mental health including history or presence of
mental illness, religious affiliation, and social network status (negative or positive). On the
patient’s health behaviors, I would seek information on the patient’s facilitator of health
promotion, triggers or harmful behavior, exercising and dieting habits, smoking and drug abuse,
and safety precautions when at home and in public spaces. Lastly, the interview would include