Latino Immigrants’ Healthcare Choices and Economic Rationales: An Exploratory Analysis of a South Florida Immigrant Community

• In Event: 106 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session I
  In Refereed Roundtable: A. Table 09. Immigration and Health

Abstract

Studies show that the majority of Latino immigrants are not using U.S. healthcare systems though the reasons for this are not exactly clear. While most sociological research finds that this is due to either structural barriers, such as lack of health insurance and lack of English proficiency, or cultural preferences towards native healthcare systems, such as immigrants’ lack of trust in American doctors and medication, the actual causal logic underlying this orientation requires further explanation. In order to address this issue, the author conducted a qualitative, exploratory study of the healthcare preferences of a sample of first generation female immigrants in South Florida, a geographic area known for its vast Latino population living in urban areas and where Spanish is widely spoken among medical staff. The author finds that in an area where language and cultural barriers a causal factor influencing Latino immigrants’ decisions, the central intervening aspect underlying the healthcare decisions of this population is a cost-benefit analysis of using healthcare in the U.S. vs. their native country. Women who have health insurance and more knowledge about local medical facilities and procedures are more likely to use U.S. healthcare, provided the cost of the care does not exceed the price in their native country (e.g., dental care), while women who do not have health insurance opt for transnational healthcare practices.

Author

• Alexandra Casuso, Florida Atlantic University