The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the health care and cancer screening experience of Chinese immigrants in New York City and identify health care delivery system barriers to cancer education and screening activities. A qualitative, exploratory research methodology based on a grounded theory approach was used. Thirty-nine low-income and medically underserved Chinese men and women participated in 4 focus group sessions and 14 in-depth interviews. Findings revealed numerous barriers experienced by participants: red tape and bureaucracy in the health care system, provider insensitivity to their concerns, lack of availability in doctor schedule, long waiting time in clinics, and fragmentation of the medical care system. This study highlighted the importance of cultural relevancy and appropriateness in the design and implementation of effective cancer screening programs for this population.

Chinese immigrants qualitative research Barriers cancer

information processing China mass screening neoplasm Neoplasms human middle aged Aged clinical practice ethnology interview United States Physician's Practice Patterns Humans Interviews as Topic male Emigrants and Immigrants female patient referral Referral and Consultation Article adult health education migration New York City Utilization Review Focus Groups Health Services Accessibility health care delivery