Abstract

Background/Purpose: Evidence suggests that the social determinants of health (SDOH) impact in-utero infant development, youth development, and adult health across an individual’s lifespan. The purpose of this pilot research study is to examine associate degree nurses’ perceptions, and their behaviors related to SDOH.

Theoretical Framework: Benner’s (2000) novice to expert framework was used to guide the study.

Methods: A cross-sectional study utilized a 20-item online survey titled ‘Perceptions on Social Determinants of Health” as well as demographic items to understand associate degree nurses’ perceptions and behaviors related to SDOH. Institutional Review Board approval was received from the principal investigator’s institution prior to data collection.

Results: Data collection was initiated in the Fall 2024. Data collection continues and is ongoing and expected to be complete in summer 2025.

Conclusions and Implications: The researchers hope to gain a better understanding about associate degree nurses and their connection between unmet social needs, their patient’s health, and their ability to address SDOH issues. The results will inform efforts to improve nursing education and inform the healthcare system to deliver more holistic care that addresses SDOH.

Notes

References:

Benner, P. (2000). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice, Commemorative Edition. 1st edition. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.

Glenn, J., Kleinhenz, G., Smith, J. M. S., Chaney, R. A., Moxley, V. B. A., Naranjo, P. G. D., Stone, S., Hanson, C. L., Redelfs, A. H., & Novilla, M. L. B. (2024). Do healthcare providers consider the social determinants of health? Results from a nationwide cross-sectional study in the United States. BMC Health Services Research, 24 (271), 1-11, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10656-2

Description

Research suggests social determinants of health (SDOH) impact an individual’s health outcomes. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine associate degree nurses’ perceptions, and their behaviors related to SDOH. A cross-sectional study utilized a 20-item online survey as well as demographic items. The results will inform efforts to improve nursing education and inform the healthcare system to deliver more holistic care that addresses SDOH.

Author Details

Jodi L. Sutherland, PhD, RN, ACRN, CNE; Jolene Kittle, PhD, RN, ACCNS-AG; Deborah Palmer, MS, RN; Samantha R. Lewis, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, RN, PhD student

Sigma Membership

Zeta Iota

Type

Poster

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Cross-Sectional

Research Approach

Pilot/Exploratory Study

Keywords:

Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Policy and Advocacy, Public and Community Health, Clinical Practice, Promoting Clinical Outcomes, Associate Degree Nursing Students, Student Perceptions

Conference Name

48th Biennial Convention

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-12-05

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Perceptions and Behaviors Related to Social Determinants of Health Among Associate Degree Nurses

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Background/Purpose: Evidence suggests that the social determinants of health (SDOH) impact in-utero infant development, youth development, and adult health across an individual’s lifespan. The purpose of this pilot research study is to examine associate degree nurses’ perceptions, and their behaviors related to SDOH.

Theoretical Framework: Benner’s (2000) novice to expert framework was used to guide the study.

Methods: A cross-sectional study utilized a 20-item online survey titled ‘Perceptions on Social Determinants of Health” as well as demographic items to understand associate degree nurses’ perceptions and behaviors related to SDOH. Institutional Review Board approval was received from the principal investigator’s institution prior to data collection.

Results: Data collection was initiated in the Fall 2024. Data collection continues and is ongoing and expected to be complete in summer 2025.

Conclusions and Implications: The researchers hope to gain a better understanding about associate degree nurses and their connection between unmet social needs, their patient’s health, and their ability to address SDOH issues. The results will inform efforts to improve nursing education and inform the healthcare system to deliver more holistic care that addresses SDOH.