The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

5030.0: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 9:15 AM

Abstract #50782

Determinants of health seeking behaviors among older Latino immigrants: A life-course perspective

Vilma Enriquez-Haass, MPH, School of Public Health/Community Health Sciences, UCLA, 10925 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 3310 825 4321, veh@ucla.edu

Description: Access and utilization of health services is considered an important determinant of health throughout a life-course. However, low-income Latino immigrants often reach old age with a limited history of health care access during their working-age years.

Methodology: The paper presents a condensation of the literature on the health care seeking behaviors among Latino immigrants. The integration of the literature utilizes a revised Andersen behavioral model adapted for vulnerable populations and identifies system-level and individual-level determinants of health care access.

Purpose: This paper takes a step back in the life of older Latino immigrants and examines how the determinants of health care access during adulthood can affect older age. The literature identifies embedded structural and cultural explanations that are useful to understand the immigrants’ constraint to health care before and after they turn age 65. This paper also discusses policy implications that aim to reduce barriers and increase access to health services for minority elderly.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Ethnicity, Health Behavior

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.

Ethnicity and Aging

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA