Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 19, Issue 5, 2017, Pages 1216-1226

Facilitators and Barriers to Dental Care Among Mexican Migrant Women and Their Families in North San Diego County (Article)

Velez D. , Palomo-Zerfas A. , Nunez-Alvarez A. , Ayala G.X. , Finlayson T.L.*
  • a Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
  • b Vista Community Clinic, Vista, CA 92084, United States
  • c National Latino Research Center, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92096, United States
  • d College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States, Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
  • e Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States, Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123, United States

Abstract

To qualitatively examine facilitators and barriers to dental care access and quality services among Mexican migrant women and their families living in North San Diego County, California. Six focus groups were conducted, with 52 participants. Three focus groups were with community residents (average group size of 10), and three were with community health workers/leaders (called Lideres; average group size of 7). The behavioral model for vulnerable populations theoretical framework guided qualitative data analyses. Predisposing factors to dental care access varied and included immigration status, language, and dental care experiences. Barriers to accessing quality dental services included high cost, lack of insurance coverage, dissatisfaction with providers, long wait times and discrimination. Participants expressed a desire for health policy changes, including affordable coverage for immigrants and their families. This study provided insights into how dental care providers, community health centers, and policymakers can improve dental care access and services to migrant populations. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Author Keywords

Behavioral model for vulnerable populations migrant Dental care Mexican

Index Keywords

hospital admission insurance health insurance human Health Behavior Insurance Coverage middle aged Aged language ethnology dental procedure Undocumented Immigrants Young Adult Dental Care Humans undocumented immigrant racism psychology Adolescent California Waiting Lists female Aged, 80 and over Socioeconomic Factors very elderly socioeconomics patient satisfaction Mexican American adult migration health care quality Quality of Health Care utilization Transients and Migrants Insurance, Dental Health Services Accessibility Mexican Americans health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84979517635&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-016-0467-2&partnerID=40&md5=c974e9094e5ab7a2c2a63df5fd253d71
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0467-2
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English