Reproductive health perspectives and experiences of Mexican-origin women in Texas

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) in the border region of Texas is 90% Latino; however, national level data is not adequate to describe the reproductive health disparities Latinas there face. The LRGV has a shortage of medical providers, an unemployment rate of 11 to 18%, and a per capita income less than a quarter the national figure. A key resource is the diverse network of promotora de salud that serve the region. Few studies have analyzed LRGV Latinas' experiences with reproductive health and correlated services. Similarly, there are few qualitative studies with mixed immigration status, low-income Latinas, and none with women from the LRGV. Given the socioeconomic challenges faced by LRGV residents, and the dearth of research on the reproductive health of Latinas from this region, a focus group study makes a significant contribution to researchers', policymakers' and program planners' understanding of LRGV Latinas' reproductive health. The purpose of this study was to understand the reproductive health experiences and perspectives of LRGV Latinas. Six 1-hour focus groups with Latina residents of colonias were conducted using an interview guide with open-ended questions and one set of scenario-based questions. Participants were recruited by local promotoras with pre-existing relationships in LRGV colonias. The results include the barriers and facilitators that immigration status, health insurance status, and safety-net program processes pose on obtaining reproductive health services, and women's strategies and experiences dealing with them. These findings can inform program planning and policy advocacy efforts to improve reproductive health care utilization by rural Latinas.