Exploration of Health Care Concerns of Hispanic Women in a Rural Southeastern North Carolina Community

Background and Research Objective: Hispanics experience substantial barriers to health care and a disproportionate negative health status in rural southeastern North Carolina. The purpose of this study was to explore concerns regarding health care utilization among eight Hispanic women residing in this locality. Sample and Methods: The study utilized a qualitative research design drawing from semi-structured interviews. Information obtained from the interviews was categorized using the constructs of Andersen‟s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use: predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics. Results and Conclusions: Limited access to health care service and lack of continuity of care were apparent in this Hispanic community and these were due to inability to afford services, difficulties with transportation and appointment schedules, dissatisfaction with services, language barriers, and inability to understand treatment plans. Culturally sensitive outreach nursing would be effective to promote preventive health maintenance and continuity of care for those with chronic illness.