American health care consumers overestimate how much clinical care affects overall health, a new survey from Welltok finds. The study found instead that social determinants have a much bigger impact on an individual's health than many people realize.

According to Welltok, a consulting firm based in Denver, clinical care accounts for only 10 percent of health overall, genetics accounts for 20 percent, environment accounts for another 20 percent, and lifestyle behaviors are the drivers for 50 percent of a person's health.

This conflicts with public perceptions, the study found. In a survey of more than 2,000 adults across the U.S., Welltok asked Americans what they considered the top drivers of health. In the survey, respondents said 49 percent of health was determined by genetics and clinical care, and 51 percent was determined by environment and lifestyle factors. In fact, literature from the Journal of Preventive Medicine found that 70 percent of health is determined by environment and lifestyle, and 30 percent by genetics and clinical care.

"While many consumers recognize the impact lifestyle and environmental factors play in their health, they over-estimate the degree that clinical care and genetics influence their health," the study said.

Identifying issues, struggling with solutions

The report credits health care consumers as becoming more aware in recent years of the variety of determinants that affect health. For example, its survey found that 70 percent of respondents said that the type of industry a person works in is predictive of health status. An additional 49 percent said commute time has a predictive value when it comes to health. Another 49 percent said type of housing has a predictive value for health status.

Where consumers struggle more, the report said, is in figuring out how to improve their own health. "Employees recognize that they need help–nearly half who responded are not at their optimal health, and target improvement areas vary significantly," the report said. "Furthermore, nearly three-fourths (69 percent) are facing obstacles preventing them from improving their health."

The survey also found workers want more from their employers in this area—70 percent said their employer should do more to support their well-being needs. And 69 percent said they would be more loyal as employees if their company provided holistic health support.

"Furthermore, companies are in a position to help – and should," the Welltok report said. "They would not only benefit from increased productivity, lower medical costs and happier employees, but also generate greater employee loyalty."

Pros and cons with personalized support

Delving into social determinants of the health of employees may require sharing of personal data—something that employees often are reluctant to do. Levels of loneliness, social media usage, personal financial stressors, debt issues—these are sensitive items for employees. Welltok has developed predictive analytics and machine learning technologies to help identify these issues but said that privacy and security will have to remain top priorities.

The good news, the report said, is that even with privacy concerns, employees show a strong desire for personalized interaction with health programs. The company's survey found that 82 percent of respondents say they would increase participation in health and wellbeing programs with personalized support.

Officials with the company said more awareness about social determinants of health can help employers predict future needs and risks of their employee population. It can also provide data on which programs will be effective in supporting employees both now and in the future.

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Instant Insights /

Americans need more awareness, guidance on social determinants of health

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