Latina young adults' use of health care during initial months in the United States

Health Care Women Int. 2018 Mar;39(3):343-359. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2017.1388382. Epub 2017 Nov 10.

Abstract

We examined social ecological predictors of health care utilization among Latina young adults during their initial year after immigration to the United States. Participants were 530 Latinas (ages 18-23) who immigrated to Miami-Dade County, Florida, 11.5 months before assessment. We used multiple logistic regression to test predictors of health care usage. Approximately 36% utilized care. Dimensions of marianismo differentially associated with usage. Usage also was more likely for participants who reported more social network attachment, better health, greater neighborhood cohesion, and possessed a job and health insurance. Findings inform interventions to increase health care usage globally among women after immigration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Emigration and Immigration / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Social Networking*
  • Young Adult