A social determinants of health framework to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with cancer are outlined in a recent publication in JCO Oncology Practice (2020;OP2000822. doi:10.1200/OP.20.00822).
“As we mitigate and address the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important that we consider policies that recognize the critical importance of the SDH and the ways in which they exacerbate health disparities among vulnerable populations, such as individuals with a cancer diagnosis,” explained Hala Borno, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, and colleagues.
Researchers describe social determinants of health using a Kaiser Family Foundation Framework and include economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, food, community and social context, and healthcare system.
The pandemic resulted in employment loss which caused financial burdens on patients. Policies that protect financially vulnerable individuals are critically important.
Neighborhoods and the physical environment has been affected by the pandemic. Social isolations have caused cancer patients to feel lonely, causing anxiety and depression.
Online learning has caused inequalities in education and scarcity of food for children who rely on school meals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequalities in social policies and the US healthcare system.
“Recognizing the role of [social determinants of health] as we mitigate and address the COVID-19 outbreak is essential ensuring equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations in the United States,” concluded Dr Borno and colleagues.—Lisa Kuhns
