A recent study presented at the 44th National Society of Genetic Counseling Annual Conference highlighted an important topic: caregivers’ views on discussing social determinants of health (SDoH) during pediatric appointments. The conference took place from November 6-10 in Seattle, Washington.
This study involved parents and guardians who had attended pediatric clinic visits with their children. The aim was to understand how comfortable they felt discussing various health-related factors. The findings revealed that while most caregivers were willing to talk about social issues like employment and healthcare access, many preferred to share this information through a survey rather than in person.
Led by Madison Elise Land, a pediatric genetic counselor, the research involved interviews that lasted about 82 minutes. The study included 14 caregivers and identified three main themes: the influence of medical diagnoses on SDoH; feelings of vulnerability when discussing such topics; and the importance of the context and communication style during discussions.
Caregivers were generally hesitant to discuss sensitive issues such as income and stress levels, with many indicating this would depend on their comfort level. Interestingly, 71% preferred answering questions anonymously, allowing them to focus more on their child during appointments.
The context of these discussions is crucial. SDoH are non-medical factors—like social support, economic stability, and health care access—that significantly influence health outcomes. Recent statistics indicate about 68% of people in the U.S. face challenges related to at least one SDoH category. This highlights a broad issue affecting many families.
The study draws attention to the need for better communication strategies in healthcare settings. For instance, families might feel more at ease discussing their circumstances if supported by anonymous surveys. As healthcare evolves, understanding these preferences will be essential for improving patient care.
Moreover, this conversation aligns with broader trends in healthcare. Experts like Dr. Eric Olson and Dr. Anita Shelgikar have discussed the importance of addressing SDoH in their work, emphasizing how these factors intersect with clinical outcomes. They noted disparities in areas such as employment and access to care, which are vital in providing holistic patient care.
Social media trends also reflect this growing awareness, as more caregivers and advocates share their experiences related to SDoH. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become spaces for discussions about health equity, showing that many seek support and understanding in their healthcare journeys.
In summary, the study sheds light on an area of healthcare that requires attention. By recognizing caregivers’ needs and preferences, we can foster an environment where discussions about social determinants of health are not just welcomed but are essential for comprehensive care.
For more on this topic, see the article on Social Determinants of Health and Clinical Burden in Narcolepsy here.
References
- Land, M., et al. Discussing social determinants of health in pediatric multidisciplinary clinics: Caregiver’s perspectives. Presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference, November 6-10, 2025.
- Singh, G. K., et al. Social determinants of health in the United States: Addressing major health inequality trends for the nation, 1935-2016. International Journal of MCH and AIDS. Link
- Bundy, J. D., et al. Social determinants of health and premature death among adults in the USA from 1999 to 2018: A national cohort study. The Lancet. Public Health. Link.
