Date of Completion

5-3-2019

Embargo Period

5-1-2024

Advisors

Jane Ungemack, Bruce Gould, Helen Wu

Field of Study

Public Health

Degree

Master of Public Health

Open Access

Campus Access

Abstract

Background: Health professions students should have a basic knowledge of the social determinants of health related to patient needs and the resources used to address them.

Methods: This pretest/posttest study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a social determinants of health training program among a single cohort composed of two groups of students. They differed by their year of education, number of disciplines involved, and previous exposure to the social determinants of health. Each participant from both groups completed a survey about their social determinants of health knowledge and use of resources including ePSS, Good-Rx, and United Way 2-1-1 both before and after the training program.

Results: Both groups of students’ posttest knowledge scores and use rates of the aforementioned resources improved over their pretest scores after the training program.

Conclusions: Addressing the social determinants of health in the formative training of health professionals, regardless of the composition of the learner group, is critical in developing skills and utilizing resources to navigate social factors impacting the health of patients.

Major Advisor

Jane Ungemack

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