Prevalence of Social Determinants of Health Concerns for Collegiate Student-Athletes: A Review of Annual Preparticipation Physical Examination Screening Data

OBJECTIVES: Social determinants of health (SDOH) are a major driver of health care outcomes in the United States. This study sought to assess the prevalence of SDOH in varsity collegiate student-athletes as this has not been an area of study in the sports medicine literature. DESIGN: This cross-sectional cohort study included varsity student-athletes presenting for a preparticipation physical examination (PPE) for the 2024-2025 academic year. SETTING: This study was conducted within the athletic department at an NCAA Division I University. PATIENTS: All incoming and returning varsity student-athletes (n = 673) completing an annual PPE were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Student-athletes were asked to answer 8 SDOH questions on the PPE form. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were analyzed for the entire student-athlete group, by sex, and by self-reported academic year. RESULTS: Approximately 7.5% of student-athletes in this study reported at least 1 SDOH concern. Food insecurity and social isolation were the most frequently reported issues. Upper-year students were more likely to have SDOH concerns when compared with first-year or graduate students. CONCLUSIONS: The SDOH are a concern for varsity student-athletes even at a well-resourced NCAA Division I university. Athletic departments can leverage this information as they work to support the health and well-being of their student-athletes. Attention to SDOH can not only affect the health of a student-athlete but also their performance on the field of play.