The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52456

Beatrice Rodriguez, MHS¹, Sharon R. Kimmel, PhD, MHA², Michele Belovich-Faust, RN, MPH¹, Lynn M. Deitrick, RN, PhD², Judith N. Sabino, MPH³, Lawrence Kleinman, MD, MPH³, and Allen Smith, ACRN¹. (1) Department of Community Health & Health Studies, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, 17th & Chew Sts., Allentown, PA 18105, 610-402-2730, beatrice.rodriguez@lvh.com, (2) Health Studies Unit, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, 17th & Chew Sts., Allentown, PA 18105, (3) Department of Community Health and Health Studies, Lehigh Valley Hospital, 17th and Chew Streets, PO Box 7017, Allentown, PA 18105-7017

Introduction: Lehigh Valley Hospital, a premier academic community hospital, provides outpatient and counseling services to more than 450 persons with HIV/AIDS, 44% of them are Latino.

Purpose: To describe an approach that identifies potential barriers to access of health care for this population.

Measurement Model: We developed a brief survey to measure constructs related to access including: ability to pay, transportation, childcare, office hours and services, and cultural sensitivity of the program. Pilot testing is in progress and the final survey with data will be completed by May 31, 2002. The instrument is being pilot tested and will be completed in English and Spanish using translation-back translation.

Results: Pilot testing suggested high acceptability of the English and Spanish version. Final results for the survey will be used for quality improvement and management purposes.

Conclusion: Potential barriers to care can be identified for English and Spanish speaking Latino patients. The instrument will be presented and can be made available to other interested programs.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe an approach that identifies potential barriers to access of health care for this population.

Keywords: Latino, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.