Service utilization in high-crime communities: Consumer views on supports and barriers

This study uses qualitative methods to Investigate perceived supports and b arriers to social and health service utilization among minorities residing in high-crime and violent communities. Focus groups were conducted with Afr ican Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos (N = 64) who reside in these communities within a moderately sized Midwestern city. Both conver gent and divergent themes were Identified across the groups. Implications o f these findings for research and practice are discussed.