Social Determinants of Health Influencing the Health of Patients With a Stoma: A Discursive Paper

Abstract

Social determinants of health are responsible for health inequalities. There is increasing agreement that addressing the social determinants of health is vital to achieving health equity, especially for vulnerable people such as patients with a stoma. This paper aimed to examine social determinants of health that influence the well-being of patients with a stoma. The literature published between 2014 and 2024 in PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and EMBASE was searched. This paper examined selected social determinants of health, including education opportunities, employment and working conditions, income, access to health services and quality, and social support. Several studies have found that social determinants of health are causative factors that impact the health of patients with a stoma. Social determinants of health are a prevalent topic in developed and developing countries worldwide. Factors such as access to health services, education opportunities, income level, employment and social support can influence the health and quality of life of patients with a stoma. Nurses could assess patients with a stoma regarding social determinants of health and provide them with equally accessible health care by caring for and educating them, considering their social needs and gaining insights that can help patients better adapt to healthy living.