Research suggests that social networks may improve health status. However, the relationship between the degree of social integration into a community and heath care seeking behaviors is unclear. The objective of this multivariate analysis was to evaluate the relationship between social integration (frequency of church attendance and duration of residence in that community)and positive health care seeking behaviors in a low-income African-American community. Regular church attendance increased dental visits (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.3-2.0) and blood pressure measurements (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.3-2.4). Regular attendance significantly improved the rate of pap smears only for the uninsured (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.2) and women with >=2 diseases (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) and the rate of persons who did not seek care when needed only for persons >=65 years (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.3-0.9). Longer duration of community residence significantly increased the likelihood of having a dental visit (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.5) and regular source of care (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1) but only for the uninsured. In a low-income, urban, and African-American community, regular church attendance and long duration community residence are important correlates of positive health care seeking behaviors, especially for the most vulnerable subgroups, the uninsured and elderly. Community- and faith- based policies may represent additional opportunities to improve the health of low-income and minority populations.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants should be able to: 1)identify elements of social integration within a low-income community and 2) identify the role of social integration in health care utilizations of subgroups within a low-income communtiy.
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Faith Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.