Factors affecting patient-physician communication for abused Latina and Asian immigrant women.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is one of today's most serious health issues. Abused Latina and Asian immigrant women face unique barriers to the discussion of abuse with health care providers. This research was undertaken to identify any provider-related factors that may affect patient-provider communication for these women.
METHODS: Qualitative data were collected using semistructured focus group interviews with abused Latina and Asian immigrant women. Participants were recruited through urban community-based organizations. Twenty-eight immigrant women with histories of domestic violence participated in four focus groups: two groups of Latina women and two groups of Asian women. Iterative readings by independent researchers identified provider-related factors affecting patient-provider communication.
RESULTS: The study participants identified the provider behaviors that demonstrate trust, compassion, and understanding as elements that improve patient-provider communication. In addition, participants wanted providers to initiate discussions about partner abuse.
CONCLUSIONS: Improved understanding of factors that may affect abused immigrant patients' communication may assist health care providers in offering meaningful support and assistance to these patients. Providers, administrators, policy makers, and educators should consider these factors when developing policy, protocols, and educational curricula for a variety of health care settings.