Barriers to health care access in 13 Asian American communities.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain and discuss in-depth information on health care use in Asian Americans (AAs).


METHODS
Nineteen focus groups were conducted in 174 adults from 13 AA communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. MAX QDA software was used to analyze qualitative data.


RESULTS
Financial, physical, communication, and cultural attitudes were 4 major barriers to accessing health care. Underrepresented communities reported unique additional barriers, such as lack of screening opportunities and interpretation services due to lack of resources in the communities.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies, public health policy, and funding resources should consider including underrepresented AA subgroups and reflect their needs.
Lee
Sunmin
S
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA. sunmin@umd.edu
Martinez
Genevieve
G
Ma
Grace X
GX
Hsu
Chiehwen E
CE
Robinson
E Stephanie
ES
Bawa
Julie
J
Juon
Hee-Soon
HS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult