The impact of screening for social determinants of health on diabetes and hypertension end Results
1Dr . Tariq Mehmood, 2Dr Muhammad Malook Bugti, 3Dr Abdul Mutalib, 4Dr Hina Jabeen, 5Dr Muhammad Parvez,
Submission: 31 January 2026 | Acceptance: 27 February 2026 | Publication: 25 March 2026
1Assistant professor of medicine Bolan medical collage
2Demonstrator of Community Medicine, Jhalawan Medical College
3Assistant Professor of Community Medicine,Jahalawan Medical College Khuzdar
4Dow Medical College Karachi
5Wah Medical College
Abstract
Background
Globally, diabetes mellitus and hypertension are common chronic illnesses with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Disease outcomes are greatly influenced by social determinants of health (SDOH), which include housing, education, income, and access to healthcare. By identifying patients with unmet social needs and offering focused solutions, SDOH screening in healthcare settings may enhance illness management.
Objective
To assess how social determinants of health screening affects clinical outcomes in individuals with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
Methods
Over the course of six months, 200 adult patients with diabetes, hypertension, or both who visited the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital participated in a prospective observational study. Patients were divided into SDOH-positive (having one or more adverse social factors) and SDOH-negative groups after being evaluated for social determinants using a standardised method. The SDOH-positive group received targeted interventions, such as healthcare facilitation, social support referrals, and counselling. At baseline and six months, clinical outcomes such as HbA1c, blood pressure, medication adherence, and quality of life were evaluated. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data, and p < 0.05 was deemed significant.
Results
112 (56%) of the individuals were found to be SDOH-positive. Food insecurity (51.8%) and low income (60.7%) were the most prevalent social risk factors. Over a six-month period, hyperglycemia and blood pressure control significantly improved in both groups; however, SDOH-negative individuals had somewhat better results. In the SDOH-positive group, targeted interventions led to better overall illness management, medication adherence, and follow-up compliance.
Conclusion
By identifying high-risk individuals, social determinants of health screening facilitates treatments that enhance clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Health equity is promoted and holistic, patient-centered management is supported by including SDOH screening into normal care.
Keywords
Social determinants of health, SDOH, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, screening, chronic disease management, health equity