Latinos' Health Care Access: Financial and Cultural Barriers

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating how income, culture, and language affect health care access. Data from a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 206 Latinos was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Qualitative data served to explain quantitative results. Point estimates for various access measures were similar to national data. In multivariate logistic regression, income and education determined having health insurance (OR 6.8 and 7.4; 95% CI 2.7-17.3 and 2.9-19.0, respectively). Time in the U.S. and health insurance determined having a regular source of care (OR 4.6 and 5.8; 95% CI 1.7-12.8 and 2.1-16.0, respectively). Having a source of care and being female determined visit to the doctor in the past year (OR 6.14 and 6.73; 95% CI 2.3-16.5 and 2.4-19.3, respectively). Language and culture showed no statistically significant effect on access measures, but qualitative data showed they were related to health care barriers.

Birth Experiences of Immigrant Latina Women in a New Growth Community

“…While all participants had at least one support person with them during delivery, none of the uninsured women had a support person that was there continuously for the labor and delivery, or had extended family support during the postpartum time. This lack of support is further enhanced by the existing social isolation in NGA, where social and support networks are not as well developed, as compared to non-NGA [2,8].…”

“…Unfamiliarity with the US health care system, communication barriers, and social isolation negatively impact Latino health in NGA, leading to conditions which could foster poor physical and mental wellbeing [2,[7][8][9][10]. Additionally, insurance status impacts the health of Latinos, as Latinos have the highest uninsured rates of any other racial or ethnic group in the USA [11].…”

Affiliation with a primary care provider in New Zealand: Who is, who isn’t

“…Identifying the main reasons for lower affiliation with a PCP for people with high education should be explored in further studies. Research has found that education inversely affects satisfaction with care received [67]. Less satisfaction with the quality of primary care (access and/ or patient-centeredness) may lead to a lower probability of highly educated people being affiliated with a PCP.…”

“…For example, research from the US has shown that ethnic minority and immigrant groups may choose to go without a regular source of care because they trust God to protect them from illness, they lack appropriate information or because they regard health services as cold and disinterested [67,68]. Hence, consideration of cultural factors in health policy is warranted.…”

Población inmigrante y enfermedades infecciosas

“…Es una realidad que, en ocasiones, las diferencias entre sanitarios y pacientes crean a veces barreras y situaciones tensas durante la atención sanitaria 11,12 .…”