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

Abstract #60611

Tina Bayne, MS, APRN, BC, Zana Higgs, EdD, RN, Edward Gruber, PhD, RN, ARNP, and Bob Bendel, PhD. Washington State University, W. 2917 Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224, 509-324-7241, bayne@wsu.edu

This study was performed to determine the health care access issues of consumers in eleven counties of Eastern Washington. Data were collected using the Eastern Washington Access to Health Care Consumer Survey, developed by the research team with input from selected members of the Health Improvement Partnership in Spokane, Washington. The survey tool, including both Likert-type and open-ended questions, was mailed to a stratified random sample of 2200 residents.

Cost and availability of services were identified as important barriers to health care access. There was little difference between urban and rural residents regarding cost issues. Over one-third of total respondents named cost as a significant barrier to obtaining health care, prescriptions, and health insurance. Selected findings regarding access to and satisfaction with medical, dental, and mental health services will be shared. The relationship between poverty level and lack of health insurance will be explained.

The volume of unmet mental health needs was one of the most startling findings. Of households reporting mental health issues, many noted multiple mental health needs. For example, if domestic violence was an issue, it was likely that alcohol and drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and the need for crisis counseling were also present. Neither rural or urban residence nor the presence or lack of insurance affected the perceptions of residents about unmet mental health needs.

The value of seeking health care access data from consumers will be emphasized. The role of public health nurses in consumer-based action research will be explored.

Learning Objectives:

• Decribe the groups most at risk for unmet medical, dental, mental health, and prescription drug needs in urban and rural areas of Eastern Washington.
• Discuss the implications of the multiple unmet mental health needs in some households within Washington State.
• Analyze how poverty and lack of health insurance affect health care needs from consumers' perspectives.
• Describe the barriers and concerns of consumers related to health care access.

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.