The influence of social determinants of health among young adults after they have left foster care in the US.

Abstract

To describe the influence of the social determinants of health on health care seeking among young adults after they left foster care. Extensive research suggests that stakeholders in foster care systems throughout the world struggle to consistently and effectively manage the health and well-being of youth. These struggles extend beyond time in foster care as indicated by poor health and social outcomes throughout the life course. Evidence that describes how young adults address health and related social needs after leaving foster care is missing. A phenomenological design, Phenomenology of Practice, was used to collect data. Content analysis was used to analyse the data, using constructs from the Healthy People 2020 SDOH Model to organise the data. Thirteen young adults who left foster care in the southwestern US were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected via individual interviews. Young adults formerly in foster care reported using and lacking social support networks to navigate SDOH. The interrelatedness of SDOH on health outcomes after foster care is evident. Social support networks can help explain how young adults are both able and unable to navigate systems to address health issues. Evaluating social networks used to access care is an important aspect of assessment and intervention for these vulnerable young adults. Healthcare providers facilitate healthcare access for young adults who have been in foster care through evaluation of social determinants. Assessment and care planning based on social determinants for those who have been in foster care are critical to ensure the efficacy of interventions designed to address health outcomes. Social support systems are key factors for young adults formerly in foster care to access resources, substantiating the need for ongoing assessment and development of these support systems.