Factors associated with perceived patient-provider communication quality among Puerto Ricans

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2014 May;25(2):491-502. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2014.0074.

Abstract

Patient-provider communication is an important factor influencing patients' health outcomes. This study examined the relationship between patient-provider communication quality and sociodemographic, health care access, trusted information sources, and health status variables. Data were from a representative sample of 450 Puerto Rican adults who participated in the Health Information National Trends Survey. A composite score rating perceived patient-provider communication quality was created from five items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted. Patient-provider communication ratings were lower among the unemployed (p = 0.049), those who do not trust a lot in the information provided by their providers (p = 0.003), and respondents with higher depressive symptoms scores (p = 0.036). Perceived patient-provider communication quality, however, was higher among respondents who visited their providers five or more times in the last year (p = 0.023). Understanding patient perceptions of provider communication may serve to develop system-level interventions aimed at eliminating communication disparities and improving patients' health outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Communication*
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / ethnology
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Trust
  • Young Adult