Assessing social determinants of health needs in newly diagnosed gynecologic oncology patients and their relationship with social support and stress levels

Objective: Social determinants of health (SDoH) account for 80% of health outcomes and, with social support and perceived stress, shape treatment experiences and quality of life in gynecologic cancer. This study characterized the prevalence of unmet SDoH needs among patients with newly diagnosed gynecologic cancer and examined associations of SDoH burden with social support and perceived stress. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed gynecologic cancer prospectively completed a PRAPARE-based survey assessing 11 SDoH domains, perceived stress, and social support. Logistic regression examined associations of social support and perceived stress with SDoH burden (high burden: ≥ 3 needs). Results: = .024). Patients reporting ≥3 needs had higher mean stress (M = 3.25, SD = 1.50) than those with fewer needs (M = 1.53, SD = 1.12). Conclusions: Unmet SDoH needs were common among patients with newly diagnosed gynecologic cancer. Higher stress was associated with greater SDoH burden, suggesting stress and social needs may co-occur. Screening for SDoH and stress at diagnosis may identify vulnerable patients and guide early interventions.