US college students’ perceptions of social determinants of health, health equity and racial health disparities

Healthy equity (HE) implies the highest possible standard of health for all people while giving special attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health, based on social conditions. The social determinants of health (SDH) are conditions within the environment in which people live that shape their opportunity to attain good health. Despite efforts to promote HE and address SDH, there is limited research on college students’ perceptions of these concepts. The purpose of this study was to understand college students’ perceptions, awareness and education on HE and SDH with a specific focus on racial health disparities.

A 28-item questionnaire was distributed electronically to a cross-sectional, campus-wide convenience sample of undergraduates at a large public university in the southeast USA.

While many students reported having knowledge or understanding about HE, SDH and related concepts, most had negative attitudes and beliefs about them. Students reported good understanding of these terms, but also believed that health disparities were due to individual behaviours.

The contradiction in results show that while college students may think they have a good understanding of HE and SDH, their education on the topics could be improved. Study findings should encourage health education specialists to shift their focus from merely providing information to promoting the application of that knowledge. By so doing, students may be able to bridge the gap between understanding health equity and applying their knowledge in everyday life.