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Purpose:
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The purpose of this study was to compare self-reported quality of life of Caucasians and racial/ethnic minorities. |
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Setting:
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The participants of this study lived in a rural New York county with a population of 94% Caucasians. |
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Data collection and analysis:
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Participants completed a 79-item survey online and an in-person assessment of health status, quality of life, perceptions of health information, and health care access and use. Over one thousand (1,039) surveys were completed.
Authors completed quantitative analyses, such as Frequencies, Chi-Square, and ANOVA. |
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Findings:
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Results showed that the racial/ethnic minorities surveyed earned less income, relied more on public health insurance, were significantly less likely to see a doctor due to costs, and disclosed using health services less often than Caucasians.
There were no significant differences in self-reported physical health, but racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to feel negative feelings such as: sad, blue, depressed, worried, tense, and anxious. |
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Conclusions:
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The authors conclude that rural racial/ethnic minorities residing in highly Caucasian areas may experience more mental health issues than their Caucasian counterparts. This, along with lower use of health services, increases the need for culturally competent programs and services within this population. |
