Nativity and Perceived Healthcare Quality

Abstract

Perceptions of healthcare quality are lower among foreign- than US-born individuals. The objective of the study was to identify possible explanations for this disparity. Data were from 6202 respondents to cycles 1 and 2 of the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 conducted 2011-2013, including 5425 US-born and 777 foreign-born respondents. Perceived quality of healthcare was lower among foreign-born than US-born respondents, accounted for, to some degree (19.5 %), by foreign-born respondents experiencing relatively less patient-centered healthcare provider communication than US-born respondents. More patient-centered provider communication was associated with receiving higher quality healthcare in all respondents. Having a regular provider was associated with perceived quality of care in foreign-born but not US-born respondents, and the reverse was true for frequency of care. Patient centered provider communication and continuity of care may be key targets for improving quality of care for foreign-born individuals.

Keywords: Health care access; Healthcare quality; Minority; Nativity; Patient-centered care; Race/ethnicity.