The Influence of Social Context on Health
Why are some groups healthier than others, and how do these differences emerge and persist over the life course? How do social policies (e.g., housing, transportation, employment) relate to health and health inequalities? Why are there health disparities even in countries that have free universal health care?
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- Level Professional
- Duration 20 hours
- Course by University of Michigan
-
Offered by
About
Why are some groups healthier than others, and how do these differences emerge and persist over the life course? How do social policies (e.g., housing, transportation, employment) relate to health and health inequalities? Why are there health disparities even in countries that have free universal health care? This course will address conceptual models for understanding health disparities in the US and internationally, how population science identifies the main sources of these disparities, and how public health can inform policy efforts to address these disparities. After taking this course, you will be able to identify ways in which conditions in the healthcare setting and at work, school, and home influence health; identify models for considering how the social context provides both sources of stress and sources of support for health; and explain how social and physical environments, including schools and workplaces, the healthcare system, and neighborhoods, shape health and health inequalities over the life course.Modules
Welcome
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1
Videos
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2
Readings
1
Videos
- Introduction
2
Readings
- Syllabus
- Pre-Course Survey
Social Determinants of Health Framework & Stress and Social Connections
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6
Videos
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8
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Stress and Social Connections Quiz
1
Discussions
- Stress and Loneliness
6
Videos
- Stress and Social Connection Overview
- Conceptualizing and Measuring Stress in Public Health Research
- Overview of Stress Response Systems Relevant to Health
- Incorporating Social, Psychological and Biological Aspects of Stress in Health Research
- Case example: Stress and Diabetes
- Social Connections, Social Support, and Loneliness
8
Readings
- Portrait of a Killer (Optional Video)
- Miller, Chen, and Cole (2009)
- Illustration of the Trier Social Stress Test
- MMWR: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Podcast: Jack Eason Podcast (Episode 017) - Andrew Steptoe
- TED Talk: How social networks predict epidemics (Optional)
- Ertel et al. (2009) Optional reading
- Peer-Reviewed Policy Brief Assignment
Work and school
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7
Videos
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3
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Work and School
1
Discussions
- Work and School
7
Videos
- Work and School Introduction
- Work Context Video, Part 1: Demand-Control and Effort-Reward Imbalance
- Work Context Video, Part 2: Work-Family Conflict, Non-Standard Work Schedules, and the Future of Work
- School Context and Health
- Expert interview: Zoey Laskaris on Conditions in E-waste Worksites
- Expert interview: Zoey Laskaris on Conditions in E-waste Worksites Part 2
- Expert interview: Zoey Laskaris on Conditions in E-waste Worksites Part 3
3
Readings
- Perry Preschool Project Documentary
- NYT Nice White Parents Podcast (Optional)
- Burgard and Lin (2013)
Health Care System
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12
Videos
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9
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
PeerReview
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Healthcare System Quiz
1
Peer Review
- Policy Brief Presentation
1
Discussions
- Disparities Discussion
12
Videos
- Topic intro video: Healthcare Systems
- Defining the Healthcare System
- Health System Tracker
- Perspectives on the Healthcare System
- Healthcare Quality
- Healthcare Quality Conclusion
- Social Movements in Healthcare
- Disparities, Bias, and Discrimination in Healthcare
- Interview with Darell Gaskin
- Expected changes (Part 1)
- Expected Changes (Part 2)
- Conclusions
9
Readings
- The Everlasting Problem
- Health System Tracker
- Psychology and ELT: Implementation Intentions
- ACT UP - A documentary in progress
- History of Breast Cancer Advocacy (Recommended)
- Advocacy around Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Recommended)
- The Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication within a Generation
- How Insurers Can Advance Health Equity Under the Affordable Care Act
- WHO: The Many Paths to Universal Healthcare
Neighborhoods and the Environment
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8
Videos
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4
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Neighborhoods Quiz
1
Discussions
- I'd Rather Stay
8
Videos
- Topic Intro: Neighborhoods and the Environment
- What is the Environment?
- What is a Neighborhood?
- How Do Neighborhoods Affect Health?
- Neighborhood and Health Inequalities
- Expert Interview with Kim Kinder : Part 1
- Expert Interview with Kim Kinder : Part 2
- Case study: Aging in place
4
Readings
- Diez Roux and Mair (2010)
- I'd Rather Stay Documentary
- Peer-Reviewed Policy Brief Assignment
- Post Course Survey
Auto Summary
Explore the intricate relationship between social contexts and health with the course "The Influence of Social Context on Health," presented by Coursera. This professionally tailored program delves into why certain groups enjoy better health than others and examines the persistence of these disparities over time. The course scrutinizes the impact of social policies like housing, transportation, and employment on health outcomes and inequalities, even in nations with universal healthcare. Led by experienced instructors, this comprehensive course equips you with the ability to identify how various environments—healthcare settings, workplaces, schools, and homes—affect health. You'll gain insight into conceptual models that illustrate how social contexts serve as both stressors and supports for health. Furthermore, you'll learn to explain the role of social and physical environments in shaping health and disparities throughout the life course. With a substantial duration of 1200 minutes, this course is ideal for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of public health and its intersection with social policies. Subscription options include Starter and Professional plans, catering to different levels of engagement and professional development. Perfect for health professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in public health, this course offers valuable knowledge and skills to address health disparities and inform policy efforts effectively.
Briana Mezuk
Belinda Needham