Recorded presentation

Creshelle R. Nash, MD, MPH, Eduardo R. Ochoa, MD, and Dana M. Perry. College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-526-6608, nashcresheller@uams.edu

Background: Racial and ethnic health disparities have long been recognized and are caused by a complex interaction of social, environmental, behavioral and health care system factors. Disparities in health and healthcare are documented by mortality, utilization and morbidity data. Qualitative methods can aid in understanding complex social factors and quantitative data, give a voice to individuals and communities and inform policy development. The hypothesis is that negative experiences with the healthcare system drive behaviors that impact receipt of quality healthcare and negatively affect health outcomes. Methods: In this study, in addition to a secondary data analysis, qualitative methods are used to examine factors that contribute to healthcare inequalities. Focus groups were conducted in minority and non-minority communities. Participants were recruited through media and community organizations, received an incentive for attending, and were stratified by race. Results: Data from African American (7), Hispanic (4), Asian (1) and Caucasian (3) groups revealed several major themes: minorities are accustomed to living with and around disease and think of health in terms of functionality; competing priorities and economic realities often impede health; suspicion of the healthcare system has fostered mistrust in minority communities; minorities often have dysfunctional relationships with their healthcare providers; and personal negative experiences with differential treatment due to race or ethnicity have a major impact on health. Discussion: Engaging communities in focus group discussions can help policy makers understand quantitative health outcomes and work in concert with minority groups to eliminate healthcare inequalities particular to minority communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how qualitative research can be used to aid in the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities;
• Recognize benefits of hearing stories from the community;
• Discuss the implications and utilization of focus group results

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.

Recorded presentation