Utilization and evaluation of maternity care by American Indians in Arizona

Drawing upon a statewide consumer survey conducted in 1979 by the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, this report focuses on the health service utilization and evaluation of 110 American Indians. The data shows that Indians, in contrast to Anglos, have less prenatal care, a higher incidence of transport to special care facilities, a higher incidence of newborn problems, and unusually high rates of early and late discharge. The Indian women also reported a higher incidence of communication problems with their caretakers and were less satisfied with the care that they received. The discussion considers the problems of less continuity of care and personnel shortages as well as cultural differences for delivering the quality of care mandated by treaty and subsequent laws to this impoverished minority group.