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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Katherine Froehlich-Grobe, PhD¹, Ximena Ilabaca-Somoza, MD, MPH², and Kaveri Chaudhary, OTR, MA². (1) Gerontology Center, LSI, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside, Dole 3090, Lawrence, KS 66045, (785)864-0574, kgrobe@ku.edu, (2) Neurology Dept., University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160

This exploratory study investigated issues related to accessing health care services for 75 people with disabilities from minority backgrounds. Twenty-five individuals from three minority groups (African American, Native Americans, Hispanics) living in a mid-western metropolitan area completed 45 minute interviews about their health care. Participants' average age was 44.6 + 10.1 and experienced a range of disabilities including, diabetes, mental illness, spinal cord problems, arthritis and other orthopedic impairments among other conditions. Education and employment levels varied across the three groups, although nearly one third did not complete high school and just over one-third were employed. While some participants had no insurance (20%) or private insurance (16%), most received health coverage under a state or federal health care plan (Medicare, Medicaid, or Indian Health Services). The interview explored participants' satisfaction with their medical provider, the adequacy of the covered health services, and general impressions of their experiences in the medical system as well as where participants report obtaining health information. Results from analyses across and between the three groups will be presented and implications for improving access to care for this population discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Name three limitations of health coverage for minorities with disabilities.
• Name the top three ways in which minority participants report getting health information.
• Be able to identify gaps in the provision of health promotion services among these minority groups.

Keywords: Disability, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered