Incorporation of social determinants of health: Refining Associate Degree Nursing Programs

Background: There is a lack of evidence to support how social determinants of health (SDOH) are incorporated into associate degree nursing (ADN) programs. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the integration of SDOH content into courses and the curricula of ADN programs, strategies for teaching SDOH, and factors that have in fluenced educators ' decisions about this education. Methods: An interpretive description approach was employed to elicit an understanding of the in fluencing factors of ADN educators incorporating SDOH into their teaching-learning experiences and how this is being accomplished. Participant interviews were conducted through video-conferencing technology. Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed an overarching theme of Forging Ahead with Re fining ADN education. Two sub-themes related to in fluences of SDOH incorporation: (1) living the experience of SDOH and (2) navigating the program 's culture. Two sub-themes related to strategies used to incorporate SDOH: (1) creating awareness of SDOH (2) fusing SDOH with content. Conclusion: This study highlighted how ADN educators are intentionally incorporating SDOH through various strategies as experiences have emphasized the importance. There are obstacles within their program that are barriers to full program integration. (c) 2023 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.