Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Quality of Life: The Potential Mediating Role of Social Activities, Access to Medical Services, and Access to Social Services

This study explored the mediating influences of access to social activities, social services, and health and medical services on the relationship between social determinants of health and health-related quality of life. A survey of 602 adults was conducted in a regional area of Australia. Participants completed measures of social determinants of health, health-related quality of life, and indicated the social activities, social services, and health and medical services accessed over the previous 18 months. Only social activities mediated the relationship between social determinants of health and health-related quality of life. More specifically, engaging in a greater number of social activities mediated the adverse effects of social determinants of health. The study supports social activities as a mechanism by which the social determinants impact health-related quality of life. Therefore, in addition to policy action to address social determinants, it is important to implement interventions to support social connections for people experiencing vulnerability.