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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robert L. Alexander, MPH, PhD, Applied Human Technologies Division, ORC Macro, 11785 Beltsville Dr., Calverton, MD 20705, (301) 572-0459, robert.l.alexander.jr@orcmacro.com

Objective: To examine how variables such as attitudes, knowledge, communication, and culture influence the receipt of eye care and whether those factors differ by race, given the rising rates of visual impairments and blindness, which also disproportionally impact minorities. Method: One hundred-eighty English-speaking males and females from the general population over 40 took part in 20 focus groups in San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; and Miami, FL. This focus group study, funded by the National Eye Institute, entailed discussion guided in part by the Theory of Reasoned Action about participants' general health, vision, vision literacy, and barriers to preventive eye care services. Results: Study findings indicated that attitudes about eyesight and eye exams influenced the receipt of preventive eye care. Participants reported having limited knowledge about eye disease. They also stated that their primary care providers did not share information with them about their eyesight. The use of traditional, folk, and home remedies embedded in the culture of African American and Hispanic/Latino racial/ethnic groups influenced their receipt of preventive eye care services, as well as a lack of preventive medicine practices. Factors such as language, culture, and the level of comprehension of medical terminology were reported to influence the receipt of eye care moreso for racial and ethnic minorities than Caucasian participants. Conclusions/Implications: These findings affirm the importance of health education, communication, and improved physician-patient relationships. Improving patient-physician interactions and developing public health messages about preventive eye care and eye diseases can facilitate increased use of appropriate eye care services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. List five variables that were reported to influence the receipt of preventive eye care services.
• 2. Articulate the importance of physician communication in promoting the receipt of preventive eye care services.
• 3. Identify factors that primarily influence the receipt of preventive eye care services for racial and ethnic minorities.
• 4. Identify two strategies that health care professionals can use to increase the receipt of preventive eye care services.

Keywords: Barriers to Care, Vision Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No