15 RACISM, MONEY AND THE LANGUAGE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SPANISH-SPEAKING LATINO PATIENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES. (1st January 2005) - Gilmore, N. T.
Abstract : Background: Thirty-five million Latinos live in the United States. With 14% of the total population, Latinos form the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. They are less healthy than the general population, in part due to lack of culturally-competent care. Latino populations are increasing nationwide, often in areas beyond historical concentrations in border and agricultural regions. This is increasing the need to understand and overcome barriers to care for Latinos nationwide. The present study was designed to identify health care issues of importance to members of the rapidly-growing Latino population of Salt Lake County, Utah. Methods: Patients of a Spanish-speaking clinic operated by the University of Utah described their health care experiences in Utah, other regions in the US, and other countries. Seventeen participants in 5 focus groups discussed barriers and other concerns about health care in the US. Investigators analyzed transcripts of the sessions for recurring themes. Discussion: Culturally sensitive care for Latino patients should address these five areas of concern. Future research will be necessary to identify the relative importance of these concerns to Latino patients of varying ethnic and demographic backgrounds.