This paper looks to identify if Latinos living in a rural areas have analogous characteristics, with regard to service utilization indicators, as the Latino population in general. Most importantly it identifies the additional barriers present in the rural areas that exacerbate the national trends.
The research will be carried out in Monroe, Carbon and Pike counties which are located in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NE PA) with a population of about 200,000 persons. Latinos make up about 3 percent of the population. This Latino population is a new population, with most families having moved to the area within the last five years mainly from the New York City Metropolitan area.
The research is designed to identify the modifiable factors in the rural setting of NE PA that can diminish health disparities. The research is designed to identify factors related to - a) the health practices, health literacy and financial access of the patients, b) patient and provider characteristics associated with failure to receive preventive screening, and appropriate disease management, c) what changeable organizational characteristics are predictive for not receiving recommended preventive services and treatment.
Using rosters of Latino families from community organizations, churches, and governmental entities, 100 households will be randomly selected and surveyed with an administered survey instrument.
In conclusion, the paper will recommend an intervention model which will have a high probability of success in improving access to health care services for the Latino population in rural NE PA.
Learning Objectives: 1.Identify barriers that keep Latino rural populations from accessing appropriate health care 2. Develop and propose a community-based plan for extending health care services to Latino populations in a rural setting
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Barriers to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.