Associations Between Social Isolation and Social Determinants of Health in Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional...

Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major public mental health issue that can negatively affect the quality of life and health outcomes among individuals with cancer.

This study aims to identify the social determinants of health (SDoH) factors associated with social isolation among patients with cancer in the United States.

We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey, including 3593 patients with cancer. Twenty SDoH-related variables were categorized based on the Healthy People 2030 SDoH framework. Binary logistic regression was used to examine associations between SDoH factors and social isolation.

Among the sample, 55.4% of respondents reported experiencing social isolation. Social isolation was significantly associated with delayed or unmet medical care (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.59), lack of reliable transportation (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.06-2.25), a weaker sense of belonging to one's ethnic group (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.31-2.61), being White (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.07-4.73), and frequent healthcare visits (OR, 6.73; 95% CI, 3.91-11.77).

Multiple SDoH factors were significantly associated with social isolation in patients with cancer. These findings highlight the importance of integrating social risk assessment and community-based support into oncology care.

Clinicians should assess transportation barriers and healthcare accessibility to identify patients at risk for social isolation. Incorporating community resources and culturally responsive social support programs may help mitigate social isolation and improve the quality of life and health outcomes of individuals with cancer.