To assess associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) needs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among surgical patients.

Despite the profound impact of SDOH on health outcomes, studies examining the effect of SDOH needs on HRQOL among surgical patients are limited.

A retrospective study was conducted using responses from the SDOH needs assessment and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems Global Health instrument of adults seen in surgical clinics at a single institution. Patient characteristics including socioeconomic status (insurance type, education level, and employment status) were extracted. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of global health scores.

A total of 8512 surgical patients (mean age: 55.6±15.8 years) were included. 25.2% of patients reported one or more SDOH needs. The likelihood of reporting at least one SDOH need varied by patient characteristics and socioeconomic status variables. In fully adjusted regression models, food insecurity [odds ratio (OR), 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38–1.70 and OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22–1.81, respectively], housing instability (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12–1.43 and OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13–1.70, respectively) lack of transportation (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27–1.68 and OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00–1.57, respectively), and unmet medication needs (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13–1.52 and OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.28–2.03, respectively) were independent predictors of poor physical and mental health.

SDOH needs are independent predictors of poor patient-reported physical and mental health among surgical patients. Assessing and addressing SDOH needs should be prioritized in health care settings and by policymakers to improve HRQOL.