Name
Chamberlain University
NR-304: Health Assessment II
Prof. Name
Date
When assessing social determinants of health (SDOH) that may influence a patient’s ability to manage diabetes, nurses should examine several key areas. These include access to healthcare services, economic stability, education level, social support systems, and the patient’s living environment. Each of these plays an important role in shaping the patient’s capacity to manage their condition effectively.
For example, limited access to healthcare may prevent regular medical follow-ups or restrict access to essential medications. Economic instability can make it difficult for patients to afford diabetes supplies or purchase nutritious food. Similarly, a lower education level may reduce the patient’s understanding of diabetes management strategies. A lack of social support can lead to feelings of isolation and lower adherence to treatment plans. Finally, challenging living environments, such as unsafe housing or food insecurity, can further hinder effective self-care.
| Factor | Impact on Diabetes Management |
|---|---|
| Access to healthcare | Difficulty attending check-ups and obtaining medications |
| Economic stability | Inability to afford healthy food or diabetes management supplies |
| Education level | Limited understanding of diabetes management |
| Social support | Feelings of isolation and difficulty adhering to treatment plans |
| Living environment | Unsafe housing and food insecurity affecting self-care |
Both environmental and individual factors strongly influence the patient’s ability to engage in effective diabetes self-care. Environmental influences include access to healthy food, safe and stable housing, and opportunities for physical activity. On the other hand, individual factors involve the patient’s level of health literacy, motivation to follow treatment recommendations, and the presence of supportive family or friends.
Together, these factors create either supportive or challenging conditions for diabetes management. Patients with strong social and environmental support systems are more likely to maintain effective self-care practices, while those facing limitations in these areas may struggle to achieve optimal outcomes.
| Type of Factor | Examples | Influence on Diabetes Management |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental | Access to healthy food, safe housing, opportunities for physical activity | Provides conditions necessary for effective diabetes self-care |
| Individual | Health literacy, motivation, support from family or friends | Impacts adherence to treatment plans and overall self-care behaviors |
Does the simulation consider any cultural or socioeconomic factors that may also affect a patient’s ability to self-care with diabetes?
Yes, cultural and socioeconomic factors are critical when assessing a patient’s ability to manage diabetes. A patient’s cultural beliefs, traditions, and values may shape dietary preferences, health practices, and willingness to engage with treatment plans. Similarly, socioeconomic conditions—such as financial limitations, access to resources, or employment constraints—directly influence self-care practices. Recognizing and addressing these factors ensures that patients receive personalized, comprehensive, and effective support for managing diabetes.
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement_1), S1–S196. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S001
Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(1_suppl2), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549141291S206
Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
