Daily hassles' role in health seeking behavior among low-income populations

Am J Health Behav. 2014 Mar;38(2):297-306. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.38.2.15.

Abstract

Objectives: To adapt a daily hassles measure for a low-income population and assess the relationship between hassles and health seeking behavior.

Methods: The mixed methods approach used cognitive interviews (N = 23) to inform an adapted measure of daily hassles. The adapted scale was then tested via surveys (N = 144) in community health centers; multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess relationships among variables.

Results: Hassle concerning having enough money for emergencies (76.5%) and worrying about personal health (68.8%) were among the most common. Increased health-related hassles were associated with an increased likelihood to delay needed care.

Conclusions: Findings suggest daily hassles are unique among low-income populations and should be considered in health behavior interventions.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black or African American / psychology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Financing, Personal
  • Health Behavior* / ethnology
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Poverty Areas*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Report
  • Social Class
  • Transportation
  • White People / psychology
  • White People / statistics & numerical data