CAPACITY STRENGTHENING TOOL

Expanding the “S” in SBC: Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity

Re-evaluating traditional social and behavior change frameworks, this technical document highlights how prioritizing social factors addresses structural health inequities. The resource outlines methodologies for incorporating social determinants of health into social and behavior change strategies, moving beyond individual behavior to encompass community-level systems and social conditions. It examines how systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and environmental barriers impact health outcomes, offering guidance for program adaptation. Practitioners, program managers, and policy makers can utilize this framework to design inclusive health interventions that advance health equity for vulnerable populations.

EN FRANÇAIS

Élargir le « S » du changement social et de comportement [PDF]

Recent Webinars

Why Do We Need to Elevate the S in SBC to Improve FP/RH Outcomes?

This webinar made the case for explicitly considering and addressing equity and social determinants of health in social and behavior change programming for family planning and reproductive health.

How Can SBC Programming Address Equity and Social Determinants of Health?

This webinar focused on how social and behavior change programming is well suited to addressing equity and social determinants of health in family planning/reproductive health.

How can Incorporating Social Accountability Into SBC Improve Equity?

This webinar focused on social accountability as a critical process that can be further leveraged across social and behavior change programming to address equity and social determinants of health to shape and influence family planning and reproductive health outcomes.

RELATED RESOURCES

Intentionally Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health into SBC Programming for FP

Measuring Equity in SBC Programming for Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health

The Road to Equity in FP: Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health

Last modified: July 26, 2026

Language: English

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2022