Abstract
Limited research has examined barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Mexican immigrant women, especially
those living in the eastern United States. This mixed-method study describes SRH care utilization and barriers experienced
by female Mexican immigrants living in New York City. One hundred and fifty-one women completed surveys, and twenty-three
also participated in focus groups. Usage of SRH care was low apart from prenatal services. The highest barriers included cost,
language differences, child care, and poor service quality. After adjusting for insurance status, barriers were associated
with receipt of gynecological care from a clinic or private doctor. Greater SRH knowledge was associated with current contraceptive
use and a recent PAP test. Women reported that promotoras could increase information about SRH and decrease barriers. Results suggest that in a context where services are geographically
available, health care utilization is impacted by lack of knowledge and structural barriers such as language, cost, and child
care. Implications for community outreach are discussed.
those living in the eastern United States. This mixed-method study describes SRH care utilization and barriers experienced
by female Mexican immigrants living in New York City. One hundred and fifty-one women completed surveys, and twenty-three
also participated in focus groups. Usage of SRH care was low apart from prenatal services. The highest barriers included cost,
language differences, child care, and poor service quality. After adjusting for insurance status, barriers were associated
with receipt of gynecological care from a clinic or private doctor. Greater SRH knowledge was associated with current contraceptive
use and a recent PAP test. Women reported that promotoras could increase information about SRH and decrease barriers. Results suggest that in a context where services are geographically
available, health care utilization is impacted by lack of knowledge and structural barriers such as language, cost, and child
care. Implications for community outreach are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9588-4
- Authors
- Gabriela S. Betancourt, Department of Research and Evaluation, Planned Parenthood of New York City, 26 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
- Lisa Colarossi, Department of Research and Evaluation, Planned Parenthood of New York City, 26 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
- Amanda Perez, Department of Education and Training, Planned Parenthood of New York City, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912