Utilization of preventive care by Haitian immigrants in Miami, Florida

In order to evaluate the health needs and consequences of barriers to health care access for the Haitian immigrant community of Miami-Dade County, Florida, we collected in 2001 demographic and health needs and access data from a probability sample of county residents of Haitian origin. We computed frequencies and prevalence ratios, and employed chi-square and logistic regression methods for data analysis. Hypertension and diabetes were among the most prevalent health conditions mentioned. Up to 39% of participants failed to have an annual physical and 10% failed to receive care for their serious health conditions. On bivariate analysis, insurance coverage, a usual place of care, educational attainment, household income, citizenship status, and duration of residency were associated with services utilization. Citizenship status was the strongest independent predictor of services utilization. The findings suggest that this community faces distinct health needs and daunting challenges to meet those needs.