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

Abstract #113767

H. Giovanni Antunez, MD, MPH, DrPH, Tulane Hispanic Health Initiative, Tulane Center for Clinical Effectiveness, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave TW - 38, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-6041, hgantunez@stcloudstate.edu and William C. Steinmann, MD, MSc, Center for Clinical Effectiveness and Prevention (TCCEP), Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, TW38, New Orleans, LA 70112.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: These findings are only partial data from a qualitative study that explored the types of access barriers and use of the local health care system by Latinos residing in New Orleans. METHODS: Using the purposive sample method, study participants were recruited according to the following criteria: Central American origin, Income: Lower (< or = $ 17,601/year) or Medium (< or = $ 24,100/year) for a family of four, Health insurance: Yes or No. Through focus group discussions, study participants were asked to share their experiences with the local health care system. Results were analyzed using several ethnographic techniques. And, for this abstract only data about women is reported. RESULTS: Four focus group discussions were conducted with the participation of 42 women. Findings: the majority of women were married, young (mean age of 25 years old), have children (two-three), were undocumented (more than half of them), and did not have health insurance. Most common country of origin: Honduras followed in order of frequency by Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica. All women shared a personal or a friend story that identified the lack of access to prenatal care, family planning services, and child's immunizations as their major barriers to care.CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: There is need to find solutions to ensure access for the undocumented pregnant Latinas in New Orleans, who are in need of prenatal care, family planning services, and immunizations for their children.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able

• To describe the current situation in terms of maternal and child health care services of Latinas in New Orleans
• To list the major maternal and child health access barriers to care experienced by Latinas in New Orleans, Louisiana

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Women's Health

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.