 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Joseph K. Ogah, MA, Michele yehieli, DrPH, and Clementine Msengi, MA. Global Health Corps, University of Northern Iowa, 220 WRC, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0241, 319-273-3120, joeogah@uni.edu
Factors that impact the health care utilization of immigrant populations include physical, economic, and cultural, and linguistic barriers.1-6 Subgroups of immigrant populations may experience varying kinds and degrees of barriers in accessing health. We investigated the differences in barriers to health care utilization between Latino and Asian (Laotian and Vietnamese) immigrants and refugees in selected meatpacking towns in Iowa.
Method: A convenience sample of 641 immigrants, 18 years or older and spoke Laotian, Spanish, or Vietnamese, was selected from four different locations in Iowa. The immigrant and refugee health survey instrument was used for data collection. Previously developed and used, the survey was translated into Laotian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Data were collected in March and April 2001, using one-on-one interviews conducted by selected community members specifically trained for the purpose. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they experienced any of 10 barriers in getting quality health care in their community during the past year. Data analysis was done on 551 completed surveys that were found usable.
Results: Logistic regression analysis was performed on each of 10 dependent variables with place of origin, gender, location, income, education, age, perceived health status, and length of stay in Iowa as independent variables. Place of origin predicted nine of the dependent variables but in most cases it was moderated by other factors, mostly perceived health status, income, gender, and location. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Immigrants, Health Care Access
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.