Perceived discrimination and health care experiences among Latinos

This research seeks to establish the relationship between discrimination and health care. The study will assess incidents of discrimination encountered with health care institutions and providers and how these experiences derive from the sociopolitical position of Latinos in U.S. society. The objectives of this project are to: 1) Develop a typology of the different experiences Latinos have where they feel they are poorly served or treated unfairly in the health care system and other social institutions; 2) Identify the reasons Latinos use to explain their experiences; and 3) Explore potential differences by nativity (immigrant versus U.S.-born). Qualitative methods will be employed via sixteen in-depth interviews. Eight interviews will be conducted with first generation immigrant Latinos who have resided in the U.S. at least ten years and eight interviews with second generation (U.S.-born) Latinos. Participants will be recruited through a convenience sample in the Los Angeles area. Interviews will draw on open-ended questions to understand the participant's experiences, beliefs, and views of discrimination by focusing on labor, health care, housing, the police, and other public agencies. Furthermore, critical to the study of discrimination among Latinos is identifying fears and stresses caused by immigrant status or the current political climate. This research will provide insight into the complex dynamics between immigration and discrimination, focusing on health care access and utilization by Latinos.