Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105554

Kelli M. Donley, MPH, Esperanca, 1911 W. Earll Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85015, 602-252-7772 x.111, kelli@esperanca.org

Background: Maricopa County data show more than 55.7% of a community in west Phoenix lives 200% or more below the Federal Poverty Limit. The majority of this population is Hispanic, with limited to no access to health care services and increasing rates of Type 2 diabetes. Studies show Hispanics in the US are disproportionatley affected by disease. The women who participated in the survey and adult health programming are predominantly immigrants. They manage large households with limited education or financial security. Methods: Thirty-three women who attended a community “Mother's Day Event” were asked to complete an anonymous 30-question survey with a bilingual community health worker. Participants were initially asked six demographic questions. The mixed-method evaluation consisted of 16 dichotomous variables; eight qualitative variables and one multiple-choice question. The evaluation was given during a community event in which women from the targeted population were invited; a 100% response rate was obtained. Results: . Of those who participated, 72% said they were afraid to use health services in the United States, while more than 60% had children enrolled in the state Medicare health insurance program. Nearly half (44.5%) said they purchase pharmaceuticals in Mexico. Discussion: This basic survey was created to better understand the recognized health needs of participants in a community health program. Programming is needed to counter hesitancy to access health services available and significant use of foreign pharmaceuticals.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the recognized health needs of a Hispanic immigrant community
• Describe the barriers to health access for this population
• Discuss health programming to counter these cultural and political barriers

Keywords: Community Health, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation