Abstract
Background
Patterns of social and structural factors experienced by vulnerable populations may
negatively affect willingness and ability to seek out health care services, and ultimately,
their health.
Methods
The outcome variable was utilization of health care services in the previous 12 months.
Using Andersen's Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, we examined self-reported
data on utilization of health care services among a sample of 546 Black, street-based,
female sex workers in Miami, Florida. To evaluate the impact of each domain of the
model on predicting health care utilization, domains were included in the logistic
regression analysis by blocks using the traditional variables first and then adding
the vulnerable domain variables.
Findings
The most consistent variables predicting health care utilization were having a regular
source of care and self-rated health. The model that included only enabling variables
was the most efficient model in predicting health care utilization.
Conclusions
Any type of resource, link, or connection to or with an institution, or any consistent
point of care, contributes significantly to health care utilization behaviors. A consistent
and reliable source for health care may increase health care utilization and subsequently
decrease health disparities among vulnerable and marginalized populations, as well
as contribute to public health efforts that encourage preventive health.
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Biography
Leah M. Varga, PhD, is Associate Director of Clinical and Community Based Research at Florida International University. Her research interest focuses on social inequalities in health, particularly the social construction and experience of health by minority populations.
Biography
Hilary L. Surratt, PhD, is Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University. She has expertise in prescription drug abuse and diversion, and development and evaluation of HIV interventions for vulnerable populations.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 21, 2014
Accepted:
February 3,
2014
Received in revised form:
January 31,
2014
Received:
July 31,
2013
Footnotes
Supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant number R01DA013131).
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
