Access to Health Care Among Mexican and Central American Migrant Workers in Northwest Florida: Description of Needed Care and Barriers

• Other Authors: Dwyer, Joyce M. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Nursing
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-0617

It is estimated there are approximately 8.5 million migrant workers in the U.S. The migrant workers are employed in low paying manual labor jobs. Most of the migrant workers are undocumented and are in the U.S. illegally. Many of the migrants are not familiar with available health services and are unable to pay for health care. Lack of primary, preventive health care affects the migrant population as well as public health in general. Accessing health care is the first step in primary, preventive care. In order to understand what barriers affect accessing health care, research into access of health care and barriers encountered will benefit all. The first purpose of this study was to research if migrant workers were accessing health care and the reasons for accessing health care. The second purpose was to identify barriers preventing access of health care. The findings revealed that 74% of the sample (n = 50) have accessed health care in the last year. Only 24% of the sample had received a general check up leaving a majority without preventive care. The study showed that 40% have a regular medical provider. This means that 60% may not have a regular medical provider to give preventive care. The barriers encountered were language, waiting for an appointment, unavailable clinic times, out of pocket expense and lack of full communication between the clinic staff and the patient. Statistical analysis included frequencies, cross tabulation of 2 variables using chi square to test for significance. Fisher's Exact test was used for validation of chi square where there were low cell counts. The study revealed a significant relationship between the length of stay in the U.S. and having insurance as well as knowledge of available clinics. Recommendations for improving access include establishment of a community-based health center and a mobile clinic. Required cultural training for all health providers would facilitate culturally competent care === A Thesis submitted to the College of Nursing in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Degree Awarded: Fall Semester, 2006. === Date of Defense: October 26, 2006. === Barriers, Healthcare, Migrant, Latino === Includes bibliographical references. === Mary Beth Zeni, Professor Directing Thesis; Sally Karioth, Committee Member; Katherine Mason, Committee Member; Eunice Warren, Committee Member.