The Impact of Screening for Social Determinants of Health on Diabetes and Hypertension End Results
1Khadija Mushtaq, 2Dr Seema Yasmeen, 3Umar Ali, 4Mansoor Ali, 5Dr. Muhammad Tahir, 6Marwa Riaz
Submission: 11 January 2026 | Acceptance: 15 February 2026 | Publication: 16 March 2026,
1Mayo Hospital Lahore
2Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran
3PIMS Islamabad
4Service Hospital, Faisalabad
5Associate physician Department of Medicine Federal General Hospital Islamabad.
6UHS Lahore
Abstract
Background:
Social determinants of health includes housing, food security, education, and income play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Screening for SDOH in clinical settings may help identify at-risk individuals and enable tailored interventions.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the impact of systematic SDOH screening on clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and hypertension.
Methods:
A cohort of patients attending primary care clinics was observed over 12 months. Half of the clinics implemented a standardized SDOH screening protocol and linked positive screens to social services. Clinical results including HbA1c and systolic or diastolic blood pressure were compared pre- and post-intervention.
Results:
Patients in the SDOH-screened group showed statistically remarkable improvements in both HbA1c and blood pressure levels compared to the control group. The proportion of patients achieving guideline-recommended targets increased notably.
Conclusion:
Routine screening for SDOH in clinical settings positively influences chronic disease management and may serve as a key strategy in reducing health disparities and improving population health outcomes.
Keywords: SDOH, Blood pressure, chronic disease, population, clinical results