African American men's rating of health care quality: An assessment of the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans

Background: Perception of healthcare quality and treatment during the medical encounter are important due to their relationship with medical adherence and health seeking behavior. The literature is replete with examples that illustrate the association of African American (AA) ethnicity with lower healthcare quality. Patients' healthcare experiences and determinants of patient satisfaction vary by gender. However, no study has examined AA men's ratings of quality even though this group is understudied and remains largely disconnected from the healthcare system. Objective: To examine AA men's ratings of their physician, healthcare, and health plan and to assess health care access and utilization by AA men. Methods: Data was analyzed from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey from 2003-2006. The analytic sample included 10,268 AA men >18 years of age. Adjusted mean global ratings, composite scores, healthcare access, and healthcare use of care measures are reported. Results: Overall, 77% were ≥ 45 years of age; 63% had some college education; 87% report good to excellent health, and 84% had been in their health plan at least 2 years. AA men mean ratings were predominantly >80 (0-100 scale and 100=best) for personal doctor, specialist, healthcare, and health plan. The composite scores which describe specific healthcare experiences ranged from 88-96 (100=no problems). Approximately, 89% reported having personal doctor and 22% report no doctor visit in the last 12 months. Results: Predominantly, AA men healthcare ratings, use, and access measures are on the higher end of the scale. Future studies should investigate the relationship between health care rating and health care utilization by AA men.