Community Resident Perceptions of Health Care Access amid Economic Disadvantage

Background Disparity of access to care is one cause of health disparities in communities of economic disadvantage in the United States. The Behavioral Model of Health Services Use provided the theoretical framework for the study. Purpose: This study explores how health outcomes are affected by access to care among adult residents of a vulnerable central Florida community. Methods This exploratory qualitative study is informed by community-based participatory research (CBPR). Focus groups were conducted with 23 residents to examine how access to health care providers affects health outcomes of the Central Florida urban community. Results: Results showed how income affected insurance status, the decision to seek medical services, provider relationships, and health outcomes. Furthermore, the study examined where these residents gain access to care and how they afford these services. Discussion: Implications underscore the need for including the voices of those experiencing the social problem firsthand in shaping access and availability of healthcare for marginalized communities. Translation to Health Education Practice: Participants in this study identified that outcomes factors such as wait times and medical costs did impact, health services use, and perceived need.