Satisfaction and Race Influence on Positive Health Choices among Patients at an Urban Community Health Center

Abstract

Background. Promoting positive health choices is one way to lessen health care disparities in indigent populations. This pilot study investigated satisfaction with the health information received at an urban heath care center for the indigent and its effect on health behaviors. Such information will inform providers on their role in advancing the health center’s quality improvement goals (i.e., goals used to measure the clinic’s performance in providing preventive service information to patients). Methods. A survey was used to determine respondent satisfaction with health care information and whether respondents would make positive health choices based on this information. Results. Respondents (n = 185) were satisfied with the health information received; this was the most consistent predictor of making a lifestyle change. Minority respondents were more likely to get a vaccination, to not start smoking, and to start exercising than non-minority respondents. Conclusion. The results suggested that, for the positive health choices examined, satisfaction with education is very important. For certain positive health choices, race also may play a role. Additional studies should be undertaken linking chronic health problems to patient responses.