Aim

This study examines how social determinants and social science frameworks can inform the care of patients in medical-surgical settings to improve outcomes and promote health equity

Material and methods

A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative analysis and qualitative inquiry. The quantitative component included 120 patients, while the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 20 participants comprising nurses and postoperative patients

Results

The findings demonstrated that lower socioeconomic status, limited social support, and inadequate health literacy were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased rates of postoperative complications. These results persisted after controlling for demographic and clinical variables, highlighting the independent contribution of social determinants to recovery trajectories. Qualitative analysis further revealed critical barriers affecting patient outcomes, including communication gaps between healthcare providers and patients, social stigma influencing help-seeking behaviors, and insufficient resources and coordination in discharge planning processes.

Conclusions

The study underscores that surgical recovery is not solely determined by clinical factors but is also shaped by broader social contexts. Integrating social science perspectives into clinical protocols—through systematic social risk screening, context-sensitive patient education, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration—can improve the quality and equity of care. These findings support the development of a more holistic, socially informed nursing approach in medical-surgical practice