Socioeconomic disadvantages are linked to higher risk for developing which of the following conditions?

• A. Asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
• B. Only rare infections.
• C. No impact on chronic conditions.
• D. Only mental health disorders.

Answer: (A)

Social determinants of health explain why socioeconomic disadvantages are linked to higher risk for multiple chronic conditions. When people have lower SES, they often face environments and barriers that increase exposure to risk factors and limit protection: substandard housing and crowded living conditions can raise asthma triggers; limited access to healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and barriers to preventive care contribute to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health; chronic stress from financial strain, job instability, and discrimination can elevate blood pressure and worsen health overall. Because these social and economic factors influence both the development and management of chronic conditions, disadvantaged groups tend to have higher risk for asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

The other options don’t fit because socioeconomic status impacts more than rare infections or mental health alone, and it is not without impact on chronic conditions.