Health and healthcare perspectives of African American residents of an unincorporated community: a qualitative assessment

Health Place. 2009 Jun;15(2):420-428. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.07.006. Epub 2008 Aug 22.

Abstract

Residential perspectives about health in unincorporated communities are virtually unexplored. In this study, we conducted focus groups to assess individual and community health status, environmental health mediators, and systematic barriers to healthcare among African American residents of the unincorporated town, Fresno, Texas. Residents described their individual health status as excellent, but depicted the community's health status as fair. Unaffordable healthcare, limited access to healthcare, and environmental mediators were perceived to impact the Fresno community's health status. Our findings suggest a need to begin to examine health outcomes for minority residents in other unincorporated communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status*
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Residence Characteristics*