The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59067

David Takeuchi, PhD, University of Washington, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6299 and Gilbert C Gee, PhD, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Rm M5224, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (734) 615-7825, gilgee@umich.edu.

OBJECTIVES: This paper examines racial and ethnic differences in the perception of the quality of relationship and respect that people have of their physicians. Five hypotheses are investigated to determine which set of factors best explain these differences. In addition, this paper takes advantage of a unique dataset to examine differences among Asian Americans in the perception of relationship quality and respect. METHODS: Secondary data are used from the Commonwealth Fund 2001 Health Care Quality Survey. The dataset includes large samples of African Americans (n=1037), Asian Americans (n=669), Latinos (1,153) and whites (3,488). Further, we use data from a supplemental sample of Asians American respondents to examine variation between Koreans, Chinese and Vietnamese. Besides relationship quality, respect, and race and ethnicity, the study includes measures of SES, acculturation, cultural beliefs, and perceptions of unfair treatment. RESULTS: The paper finds that race and ethnicity are initially associated with relationship quality and respect. However, the findings that explain these differences vary for each racial and ethnic group. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms and processes that explain why race and ethnicity are associated with relationship quality and respect are different for each group. This study points to the importance of including multiple outcome variables to better understand the dynamics of race and ethnicity and their association with quality health care.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• Identify the perceived variations in physican interactions as reported by patients from different racial/ethnic groups.
• Articulate the importance of examining intra-ethnic variability.
• Describe potential mechanisms that may contribute to variation in perceived physican interactions.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Asian and Pacific Islander

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.