Socio cultural stress, discrimination and health care

This study examines data on stress, health status and barriers within a community-wide survey (TESS; N = 200) of Southern Tucson AZ. The data is from a collaborative study initiated in April 2006 by the Binational Migration Institute (BMI) of the MASRC and the Center for Health Equality (CHE) housed within the College of Public Health. The locale of TESS is important as it ranks high on the county's “Indicators of Stress”. In addition, government data show Tucson is the most active sector for border crossing and US enforcement efforts. Though approximately 1/3rd of the target areas persons are foreign-born, previous work demonstrates high rates of mistreatment of locals by authorities irrespective of residency/ citizenship status. Also, in 2004 Arizona voters passed Proposition 200 which requires proof of citizenship to vote or to receive public benefits, and there is concern that these policies may have the unintended consequence of discouraging enrollment in and use of health services by eligible Latinos.

Our data shows perceived discrimination in seeking health care, worrying about your family's health care and hearing prejudiced comments to be among the most common and stressful (intense) events reported. Such factors are increasing known indicators for health problems and may contribute to minorities' disengagement from health care systems. Given current migration trends and enhanced federal enforcement efforts nationwide, we expect the findings to be relevant to many other communities with a high proportion of migrants or where health care access/affordability is a main community concern. Additional comparable household data (N > 200) as part of the ongoing NIOSH-funded Yuma Farmworkers Study (a more rural area with a high degree of migration) will also be included to supplement and expand the above results.