Barriers to Testing and Treatment for Chagas Disease among Latino Immigrants in Georgia
Joint Authors
Leon, Juan S.
Khawja, Amina
Nicholls, Andrea
Palomeque, Francisco S.
Minneman, Rebecca M.
Pennock, Chester C.
Salek, Sahar S.
Albor, Lauren C.
Hennink, Monique M.
Source
Journal of Parasitology Research
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-11, 11 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-12-30
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
11
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
The lack of testing and treatment of Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, amongst infected immigrants in the USA increases the risk of serious health complications and transmission (congenital or via blood transfusions).
Goal.
Our goal was to identify the barriers to testing and treatment of CD and understand the process of seeking healthcare amongst Latino immigrants in Georgia.
Methods.
In this qualitative study, eleven focus group discussions were conducted with 82 Latino immigrants, including migrant farm workers.
Grounded theory was used to collect and analyze the data to develop an inductive conceptual framework to explain the context and process of seeking healthcare for CD amongst this at-risk population.
Results.
Participants were not aware of CD.
Three healthcare seeking behaviors were identified: delaying treatment, using traditional remedies, and using either mainstream or alternative health providers.
Behaviors and motivations differed by gender, and the use of licensed medical providers was considered a last resort due to the cost of healthcare, loss of earnings while seeking care, and fear of diagnosis with fatal illness.
Discussion.
Providing free or low cost services, mobile clinics, and education regarding CD is critical to increase testing and treatment of CD in the US.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Minneman, Rebecca M.& Hennink, Monique M.& Nicholls, Andrea& Salek, Sahar S.& Palomeque, Francisco S.& Khawja, Amina…[et al.]. 2012. Barriers to Testing and Treatment for Chagas Disease among Latino Immigrants in Georgia. Journal of Parasitology Research،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-11.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461193
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Minneman, Rebecca M.…[et al.]. Barriers to Testing and Treatment for Chagas Disease among Latino Immigrants in Georgia. Journal of Parasitology Research No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-11.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461193
American Medical Association (AMA)
Minneman, Rebecca M.& Hennink, Monique M.& Nicholls, Andrea& Salek, Sahar S.& Palomeque, Francisco S.& Khawja, Amina…[et al.]. Barriers to Testing and Treatment for Chagas Disease among Latino Immigrants in Georgia. Journal of Parasitology Research. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-11.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461193
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-461193