Barriers to health care access in 13 Asian American communities

Am J Health Behav. 2010 Jan-Feb;34(1):21-30. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.34.1.3.

Abstract

Objective: To obtain and discuss in-depth information on health care use in Asian Americans (AAs).

Methods: Nineteen focus groups were conducted in 174 adults from 13 AA communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. MAX QDA software was used to analyze qualitative data.

Results: Financial, physical, communication, and cultural attitudes were 4 major barriers to accessing health care. Underrepresented communities reported unique additional barriers, such as lack of screening opportunities and interpretation services due to lack of resources in the communities.

Conclusions: Future studies, public health policy, and funding resources should consider including underrepresented AA subgroups and reflect their needs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asian / ethnology*
  • Asian / psychology
  • Asian / statistics & numerical data
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology
  • Communication Barriers*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult