Healthcare Access and Chronic Disease in Blacks and Hispanics

Posted by on February 16, 2009

Lack of Accessibility and Affordability are Linked to Under-Diagnosis of Chronic Disease in Blacks and Hispanics

A new study links lack of accessibility, affordability, and continuity of medical care to underdiagnosis of chronic medical conditions among Blacks and Hispanics. The researchers correlated self-diagnosis of chronic medical and mental health conditions among 287 black and Latino heads of households in 3 urban public housing communities in Los Angeles County with a physician’s diagnosis of the conditions. The findings suggest that for patients with a similar health condition, those with better access to medical care are more likely to be diagnosed by physicians. The study was supported in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. More details are available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/dec08/1208RA18.htm