Transportation and Other Nonfinancial Barriers Among Uninsured Primary Care Patients

• Main Authors: Akiko Kamimura, Samin Panahi, Zobayer Ahmmad, Mu Pye, Jeanie Ashby
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2018-01-01
• Series: Health Services Research & Managerial Epidemiology
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333392817749681

Introduction: Nonfinancial barriers are frequent causes of unmet need in health-care services. The significance of transportation barriers can weigh more than the issues of access to care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine transportation and other nonfinancial barriers among low-income uninsured patients of a safety net health-care facility (free clinic). Methods: The survey data were collected from patients aged 18 years and older who spoke English or Spanish at a free clinic, which served uninsured individuals in poverty in the United States. Results: Levels of transportation barriers were associated with levels of other nonfinancial barriers. Higher levels of nonfinancial barriers were associated with elevation in levels of stress and poorer self-rated general health. Higher educational attainment and employment were associated with an increase in other nonfinancial barriers. Conclusion: Focusing only on medical interventions might not be sufficient for the well-being of the underserved populations. Future studies should examine integrative care programs that include medical treatment and social services together and evaluate such programs to improve care for underserved populations.