Objective: Stress has become a growing public health concern in the United States (US). Uninsured, low-income or minority patients utilizing a free clinic are exposed to stress disproportionately across various areas of life. Health promotion programs regarding stress management have the potential to benefit vulnerable, low-income populations by reducing stress-related health issues. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the "Stress-Management" education class taught at a free clinic that provides healthcare to uninsured patients.Methods: Data for this study were collected by a pre-stress management class survey, field notes during the stress management class, and post-class survey at a free clinic for low-income, uninsured patients. The surveys and class took place in May and June 2018. Direct observations were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).Results: Fifty-five stress management classes were offered with a total of 83 participants. Among the class participants, 71 filled out the survey. Free clinic patients experience cumulative negative situations. One strategy that is helpful for patients to cope with stress is to organize participant responsibilities. Main stressors among the participants included finances, family, emotions, work, health, social relationships, and a sense of not belonging. Conclusion:Providing resources regarding stressors would be a feasible solution for patients at free clinics. Future projects should work to develop stress management class which responds to the results of this study.
The purpose of this study was to describe the use of opioids and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among uninsured free clinic patients. A self-administered paper survey was collected to describe the use of opioids, complementary, and alternative medicine, and other pain relievers from 877 free clinic patients from January to April 2018. The US born English speakers are more likely to use CAM, nonprescription pain relievers, and prescription opioids, and to be more knowledgeable about opioids compared to non-US born English speakers and Spanish speakers. The main source of opioids for free clinic patients is a health care facility other than a free clinic as well as friends. Although nonprescription pain relievers are commonly used among free clinic patients, CAM is less common to use for pain control. More health education programs are needed to increase the knowledge of opioid risks among free clinic patients as well as other underserved population.
In an effort to reform patient-provider communication, most notably in underrepresented populations, a series of English classes were offered to patients of a metropolitan free clinic in the intermountain region of the United States (U.S.). A cohort of sociological studies undergraduates, graduate students and professors from a local university assembled to conduct research in the summer of 2018. Fifty-two participants enrolled in 39 classes, with 35 participants completing a comprehensive survey. In addition, pre-class surveys, field notes and class satisfaction surveys were collected to accurately capture participant characteristics, evaluate class quality and identify participants' motivation, needs/challenges, or barriers to learning English in their U.S. community. The classes elicited mostly positive feedback with the majority of participants showing excitement, motivation to continue, and inquiry as to future classes at the clinic. Field note findings indicated that language proficiency is essential to communication in clinical and communal settings. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, participants were able to express personal recounts of barriers and challenges to learning English. The study also resulted in several implications for holistic improvements in future classes offered to the free clinic patients.
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