Social determinants of access to healthcare services by race/ethnicity in a Southeastern Metropolitan Area

Ethnic and minority groups throughout the United States experience higher rates of sickness and death across a wide range of health conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess social determinants of healthcare access in the Charleston area by race/ethnicity. This study utilized a secondary data set from the 2019 Trident United Way Community Health Needs Assessment. Variables included self-reported reasons for limited healthcare access and race/ethnicity. Results indicated significant differences by race/ethnicity based on not knowing how to access health services (p=.034); not knowing when to see a doctor (p=.006); fear (p=.015); and lack of trust of doctors (p=.014). Additional significant differences were found for cultural/religious beliefs; health insurance related barriers; lack of transportation; and lack of knowledge (all p<.00l). Findings indicate that disparities exist by race/ethnicity related to reasons for limited healthcare access in the Charleston Tri-County area.