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Identification of barriers to healthcare access for underserved men in Denver

2005; Elsevier BV; Volume: 2; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jmhg.2005.05.006

1873-4804

Elizabeth M. Whitley, Benilda A. Samuels, Richard Wright, Rachel Everhart,

Obesity and Health Practices

Abstract Background Poor minority men experience significant disparities in health status in the United States. Disparities in health status are aggravated by decreased access to healthcare services. Denver Health Men's Health Initiative conducted quantitative and qualitative studies to learn about healthcare use and barriers to healthcare access experienced by underserved men of color in Denver. Methods A preliminary survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 243 poor men of color in community locations to learn about insurance status and health services use. Additionally, six focus groups were completed to discover attitudes and beliefs about healthcare access among underserved Hispanic and African-American men. Results Financial barriers, particularly the lack of health insurance coverage, are the paramount concerns of underserved men of color. Many non-financial barriers to healthcare access were also identified, including racism, communication difficulties, fear, and beliefs about manhood. Conclusions The accessibility of appropriate, affordable healthcare is vital to improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. The findings are useful in identifying and reducing barriers to healthcare access for underserved men of color and to inform policy makers about men's health issues.