Leveraging biosocial methods to examine and address structural determinants of health and promote health equity

Background

Biosocial approaches in nursing research have largely focused on the ways that social determinants of health influence individual-level outcomes, including symptom management, family and social support, and educational interventions.

Purpose

Theoretical, methodological, and practical strategies are needed to expand current biosocial methods for nursing science and focus on upstream, structural determinants of health and the policies that underlie health inequities.

Methods

This paper summarizes presentations given at the 2023 Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Advanced Methods Conference, Biosocial Methods to Advance Health Equity, in a panel titled “Individual, community, systems and policy related to biosocial methods.”

Discussion

Nurses are uniquely positioned to examine upstream, structural determinants of health by leveraging expertise in biosocial methods, collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers and community members, and advocating for policy change. By conducting theory-grounded biosocial research, nurse researchers can significantly advance scientific knowledge and promote health equity for individuals and communities.

Conclusion

Nurse scientists are conducting research using biosocial methods and provide recommendations for expansion of this approach in the field.