Marginalization, Addiction, and Chronic Disease: Understanding Determinants and Intersections in Population Health
Introduction Marginalized populations, including those experiencing homelessness, incarceration, veteran status, racial and ethnic minority identity, or poverty, face disproportionate burdens of chronic disease, substance use disorders (SUDs), and mental illness. The complex interplay between social determinants of health, structural inequities, and trauma magnifies vulnerability in these communities. For nurses in graduate and advanced practice roles, understanding these socio-cultural dimensions is critical for shaping equitable and effective public health interventions.