Social Determinants of Health and Noncommunicable Diseases in Rural Primary Care Population

Objective: To determine the association between social determinants of health (SDH) and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in a rural primary care population. Theoretical Framework: A solid foundation is provided through definitions and theories that support the study and make it possible to understand the topic and context of the research. Method: Cross-sectional, multicenter study, with stratified, randomized, probability sampling in 430 adult users of primary care centers in a Peruvian health care network. The independent variable was adverse DSS (DSS/A), measured with the Steps to Better Health Questionnaire (STBH-Q) and the dependent variable was NCDs. Results and Discussion: Of the participants, 52.6% identified DSS/A; 47.7% poor access; 55.3% dissatisfaction with employment, finances and education; 56% insecurity in the home and community; 51.4% latent concern for physical and mental health; and 56.5% inadequate family and childhood. The overall prevalence of NCDs was 23%. The DSS/A revealed significant association (p=0.001) with NCDs (PR=1.91: 95% CI: 1.31-2.79). Research Implications: SHD translate into social needs that influence people's health. Therefore, it is necessary to detect them in order to address them in the context of primary care. Originality/Value: Studies exploring the association between DSS and NCDs in rural contexts are scarce, and this gap in knowledge limits the capacity of the state and health systems to intervene.