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Abstract
Effective management of chronic medical conditions relies heavily on medication access and adherence, both of which are significantly impacted by the social determinants of health (SDOH). This narrative review examines how the five pillars of SDOH impact medication access and adherence among individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, primarily in the USA. Financial barriers, including high out-of-pocket costs and restrictive insurance policies, directly impact treatment continuity, exacerbate health disparities, and contribute to the health care burden. Social support networks, confidence in providers, and community-level engagement play pivotal roles in promoting adherence, while geographic and infrastructure limitations, such as pharmacy deserts and hospital closures, further restrict access. This narrative review also explores how systemic reforms, including cost transparency, multidisciplinary care models, and technology-driven solutions such as telemedicine and health applications, can improve patient engagement and autonomy. Addressing SDOH through targeted policy, education, and infrastructure initiatives is essential for equitable health outcomes. By identifying barriers to medication access within a public health context, this review highlights actionable strategies to reduce disparities and strengthen chronic disease management across communities, particularly in underserved populations.
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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Review Article
ELECTRON J GEN MED, Volume 23, Issue 1, February 2026, Article No: em711
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17761
Publication date: 20 Jan 2026
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