During the Chicago heat wave of 1995, which group was most affected according to social determinants of health (SDOH)?

The group that was most affected during the Chicago heat wave of 1995 was socially isolated and marginalized groups. This conclusion is rooted in the understanding of social determinants of health, which emphasize how factors like income, social support, and access to resources impact health outcomes.

During extreme weather events, such as heat waves, socially isolated individuals—often the elderly, those living alone, or those without strong community ties—are at a higher risk. These individuals may lack access to cooling resources, transportation to safe places, or even the social networks that can provide help and information about coping with extreme heat. Additionally, marginalized communities may face systemic barriers such as limited access to health care, reduced mobility, and fewer resources to mitigate the effects of heat.

In contrast, young professionals, wealthy neighborhoods, and healthcare workers generally have more resources to adapt to and survive extreme weather conditions, such as air conditioning, supportive communities, and better access to healthcare services. Thus, the social isolation and marginalization experienced by certain groups made them particularly vulnerable during the Chicago heat wave, leading to higher rates of heat-related illnesses and deaths among them.