Incorporating Social Determinants of Health in Clinical Assessments: An Immunological Perspective for Medical Students

Authors

Matthew S. Hudson

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Food insecurity is characterized by limited access to food and is common in food deserts; food deserts are geographic areas lacking affordable, fresh food due to a lack of grocery stores within reasonable proximity. Together, such economic and social problems can hinder a patient’s ability to make lifestyle modifications, leading to obesity and related health complications. Obesity is also highly correlated with chronic inflammation via pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1, and IL-6). Chronic inflammation can lead to dysregulated immune responses and predispose one to other biomedical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. The literature maintains that environmental stressors and foods low in nutritional value can induce epigenetic changes related to cardiovascular disease. Immunologically, increased TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are correlated to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques as a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, specifically atherosclerosis (the accumulation of plaques in the walls of arteries). Despite these facts, obesity is highly stigmatized within society at large and the healthcare field. Individuals with food insecurity or those living within food deserts lack the necessary resources to address obesity-related issues. Education for medical students to facilitate nonjudgmental conversations and incorporate social issues into treatment considerations is severely lacking. Providing patients with feasible medical advice is important for patients and long-term financial stability of the U.S. healthcare system, as food-insecure individuals are more likely to be high-cost users. This case study aims to educate medical students on how social determinants of health, including food insecurity, can lead to biomedical manifestations, such as cardiovascular disease.

Recommended Citation

Hudson, Matthew S. (2023) "Incorporating Social Determinants of Health in Clinical Assessments: An Immunological Perspective for Medical Students," Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review: Vol. 8, Article 13.
Available at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/murr/vol8/iss1/13