Which policy approach focuses on non-medical determinants to improve health outcomes?

• A. Biomedical model focusing on clinical care.
• B. Emergency response planning.
• C. A social determinants approach that addresses housing, income, and environment to improve health.
• D. Genetic engineering policies.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that health outcomes are shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors—things like where people live, how much money they have, and the quality of their surroundings. A policy approach that targets these non-medical determinants aims to improve health by changing those conditions, not just by treating illness after it occurs. By addressing housing stability, income support, access to clean air and safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for education and healthy food, this approach can reduce risks and disparities over the long term.

The other options focus on medical or emergency aspects rather than the broader social context. The biomedical model centers on clinical care and treating disease, not on altering living conditions that influence health. Emergency response planning concentrates on preparedness and response to crises, which helps during disasters but doesn’t systematically shift the everyday social factors that shape health. Genetic engineering policies deal with biological changes at the genetic level and are not about the social environment that determines health outcomes.