Putting Risk Factors in Context: an Anti-Oppression Approach

Abstract

Risk factors can be useful tools for assessing patients and choosing interventions. However, discussions of social determinants (e.g. race, gender, sex, and sexual orientation) can portray those social categories as non-modifiable and biologically determined, erase the profound physiological effects of oppression, and support negative stereotypes or associations between marginalized groups and disease. In this paper we provide context to three commonly discussed social determinants of health to help clinicians avoid perpetuating stereotypes, better understand the root causes of disease, and provide appropriate naturopathic care and guidance for risk prevention.