Twelfth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Minimal associations have been established between social work in health care and the social determinants of health (SDH). The purpose of the exploration focused on the understanding and addressing the SDH by social workers employed in the Gauteng Department of Health. This mixed-method study incorporated survey research and interpretative phenomenological designs utilising saturation and purposive sampling respectively. The questionnaire was completed by 45 respondents. Ten participants and two key informants participated in semi-structured interviews, and two focus group discussions were facilitated. The findings were that social workers are proactively involved in addressing the SDH to promote the health and wellbeing of clients, but also to encourage compliance with treatment strategies. This active involvement with the SDH was evident, despite the social workers’ lack of identifying or labelling their actions as addressing the SDH. Biopsychosocial assessment, problem-solving or referral to community resources were used instead of addressing the SDH. Social workers indicated strong associations between their competence and knowledge base, linked with the social development approach (SDA) and SDH. A further link was indicated with the sustainable development goals (SDG). Social work in health care, therefore, plays an instrumental and invaluable role in addressing the SDH and enhancing compliance. In addition, addressing the SDH, the SDA is implemented, and the SDG is addressed. Further research is envisaged in confirming social work in health care as a key role player in addressing the SDH.