Beyond illness: Understanding the social determinants in the life of a middle-aged Pakistani woman

Background: Poverty is both a cause and a consequence of poor health, and the scarcity of resources limits access to essential health care services. Aim: To highlight the implications on health of the often-neglected social determinants. Methods: We examined the experiences of Shahida Parveen, a middle-aged, unmarried woman, living in a resource-poor setting in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and the interplay of the social determinants and inadequate safety nets on her health and wellbeing. Results: Shahida's narrative unveiled a poignant journey marked by health challenges early in her lifetime, her profound losses and the systemic barriers to accessing healthcare. Poverty, limited social support, and healthcare disparities emerged as central factors in shaping her health outcomes. Conclusion: This case report highlights the need for a more just and more inclusive healthcare system that guarantees comprehensive social safety nets and accessible health care services for vulnerable populations.