Ma. Rodriguez et al., FACTORS AFFECTING PATIENT-PHYSICIAN COMMUNICATION FOR ABUSED LATINA AND ASIAN IMMIGRANT WOMEN, Journal of family practice, 47(4), 1998, pp. 309-311
BACKGROUND. Domestic violence is one of today's most serious health is
sues. Abused Latina and Asian immigrant women face unique barriers to
the discussion of abuse with health care providers. This research was
undertaken to identify any provider-related factors that may affect pa
tient-provider communication for these women. METHODS. Qualitative dat
a were collected using semistructured focus group interviews with abus
ed Latina and Asian immigrant women. Participants were recruited throu
gh urban community-based organizations. Twenty-eight immigrant women w
ith histories of domestic violence participated in four focus groups:
two groups of Latina women and two groups of Asian women. Iterative re
adings by independent researchers identified provider-related factors
affecting patient-provider communication. RESULTS. The study participa
nts identified the provider behaviors that demonstrate trust, compassi
on, and understanding as elements that improve. patient-provider commu
nication. In addition, participants wanted providers to initiate discu
ssions about partner abuse. CONCLUSIONS. Improved understanding of fac
tors that may affect abused immigrant patients' communication may assi
st health Care providers in offering meaningful support and assistance
to these patients. Providers, administrators, policy makers, and educ
ators should consider these factors when developing policy, protocols,
and educational curricula for a variety of health care settings.