Teacher Reports of Social Determinants of Health in Preschool Classrooms

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors (e.g., poverty) that have an influence on health and development. Early childhood education settings, such as preschools, play a dual role in children’s well-being; high quality is considered both a social determinant of health and a context for receiving referrals to address other SDOH. The current study examines reports of SDOH among a sample of 139 preschool teachers recruited from a Mountain West state. Reported prevalence of SDOH were rated as higher by teachers with more familiarity with SDOH, teachers in public/Head Start schools (vs. private schools), and assistant teachers (vs. lead teachers). Teachers who were more familiar with SDOH and who reported a higher prevalence of SDOH in their classrooms were more likely to refer students to resources to address SDOH.