Who is playing doctor? -- The gap between self-perceived versus professionally diagnosed chronic conditions among the underserved minority.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the gap between self-perceived and professionally diagnosed physical and mental conditions in underserved minority populations.


METHODS
The study sample consisted of 287 African-American and Latino heads of households respondents, obtained from a geographically defined random sample of 418 households from three Urban Public Housing Communities in Los Angeles County, California.


METHODS
This study conducted a cross-sectional survey with face-to-face interviews.


RESULTS
Eighty-five percent (245) of this sample reported that they were suffering from at least one chronic condition. However, 43% of participants who suffer from chronic condition(s) claimed that a physician had never diagnosed at least one of their chronic illnesses. Depression (16%), hearing impairment (10%), arthritis (8%), dental problems (7%), and vision conditions (7%) are the most frequently reported undiagnosed chronic conditions among these populations.


CONCLUSIONS
This study documents significant disparities in the detection and treatment of specific medical conditions among Hispanic and African-American population residing in public housing, which often leads to end-stage complications due to lack of timely diagnoses and treatment.
Bazargan
Mohsen
M
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Department of Family Medicine, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA. mobazarg@cdrewu.edu
Bazargan-Hejazi
Shahrzad
S
Baker
Richard S
RS
D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003933:Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations