Factors important to 19-24 year old African American women in choosing a health provider

The Institute of Medicine's report on racial and ethnic disparities in health care encourages enhancing patient provider relationships by building trust. However more information on what subpopulations of patients desire and believe trustworthy in a provider is needed. The purpose of this study is to determine factors important to 19-24 year old African American women in choosing a health provider. Nine focus groups with five African American women in each are being held in eight urban Ohio counties. Participants are recruited from WIC clinics, community centers, and health departments. Focus group discussion is aided with the use of four photographs of providers, two African American and two Caucasian (male, female provider in each). The pictures depict providers in similar setting, attire, pose, and disposition in contact with a young African American woman. Participants comment on what they believe is happening in the photographs, how the young woman feels, and their perception of the provider. Preliminary results show consistent themes in choosing a provider regarding race and spatial distance. Proximity to the client, perceived interest, and English speaking ability are persistent preferences throughout discussions. Females were preferred a majority of the time; however race was not of primary concern. The following illustrates the importance of interest and relationship: “But I need to know what she's saying, not even necessarily your race, but give me language.” Pictures were useful in enhancing and stimulating discussion, allowing for participants to generate comparisons and encouraged interaction within the group. This presentation will include additional examples of participant quotes to provide depth to the interpretation of findings. Provider's gender, interest, and relationship with the client are attributes that young African American women may consider more important than race when seeking a provider. State wide policy implications for program design and evaluation will be discussed.