Access to Health and Social Services for Poverty Level Adults with Chronic Disease or Disability

Reese, Sharon E., Access to Health and Social Services for Poverty Level Adults with Chronic Disease or Disability. Doctor of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), December, 2006, 79 pp., 7 tables, 51 references. This dissertation reports the results of research into the difficulties poverty level adults with disabilities have in accessing vital health and social services. Chapter one gives a background of the problem, a purpose of the research, the research question, limitations and constraints, and the importance of the study. Chapter two is a review of the literature concerning this population and access. Chapter three reviews the methodology used in the study, with chapters four and five presenting results, conclusions and recommendations. Qualitative methods using a focus group and individual interviews five major themes emerged: health issues, access or obtaining care, interactions with providers, obtaining medication, and transportation (table 6). A review of these themes and the particular responses of participants in these areas highlighted the need for policy change in the area of access to services for this special group. This dissertation also makes recommendations for policy changes and potential barriers to those changes.