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.
The Influence of Social Context on Health
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
The Influence of Social Context on Health
This course is part of The Influence of Social Determinants on Health Specialization
Instructors: Briana Mezuk
1,674 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Prepare for a degree
What you'll learn
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.
Explain how social and physical environments shape health and health inequalities over the life course.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the The Influence of Social Determinants on Health Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This unit will introduce the social determinants of health framework and provide an overview of how stress and social connections impact health.
What's included
7 videos10 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This unit will provide an overview of the ways in which the work and school contexts shape health.
What's included
7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This unit will introduce the healthcare system and discuss its impact on health disparities.
What's included
12 videos9 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
This unit will explore ways in which neighborhoods and the environment affect health.
What's included
8 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
University of Michigan
University of Houston
Imperial College London
Prepare for a degree
Taking this course by University of Michigan may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Public Health? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.