Abstract
The purpose was to explore the relationship between the presence of a free community clinic and factors associated with utilization
of healthcare through a secondary data analysis. Using a descriptive correlational design, results were analyzed to explore
relationships between potential utilization of healthcare, identification of a regular source of healthcare, and health insurance
status. Most subjects would not seek healthcare if the free community clinic was not available. Subjects with health insurance
were significantly more likely to have a regular source of healthcare and seek healthcare in the absence of the free community
clinic. Subjects with a regular source of healthcare were significantly more likely to seek healthcare in the absence of the
free community clinic. Emergency room utilization was not impacted by regular source of healthcare or health insurance. This
study supports the need for free community clinics in areas with high percentages of uninsured, immigrant, and refugee populations.
of healthcare through a secondary data analysis. Using a descriptive correlational design, results were analyzed to explore
relationships between potential utilization of healthcare, identification of a regular source of healthcare, and health insurance
status. Most subjects would not seek healthcare if the free community clinic was not available. Subjects with health insurance
were significantly more likely to have a regular source of healthcare and seek healthcare in the absence of the free community
clinic. Subjects with a regular source of healthcare were significantly more likely to seek healthcare in the absence of the
free community clinic. Emergency room utilization was not impacted by regular source of healthcare or health insurance. This
study supports the need for free community clinics in areas with high percentages of uninsured, immigrant, and refugee populations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9565-3
- Authors
- Chinda S. Douangmala, Winona State University, 859 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
- Sarah A. Hayden, Winona State University, 859 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
- Lindsay E. Young, Winona State University, 859 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
- Jennifer Rho, Hawthorne Education Center, Rochester, MN, USA
- Lisa L. Schnepper, Winona State University, 859 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912