Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Loretta Shields

Abstract

Arkansas has historically been one of the lowest ranking states in the United States in education, economy, opportunity, crime and corrections, and health care. Though more than 3 million Arkansans live in the state, nearly 1 million receive Medicaid-funded health insurance. This phenomenological study employed a constructivist paradigm and focused on the perceptions of underserved Arkansans regarding their health and their access to health care; additionally, within this study, the Health Belief Model shifted the study’s focus to individuals’ perspectives, perceptions, experiences, and opinions through interview responses. The research was intended to identify factors that may relate to the higher prevalence of disparities in Arkansas. Data was collected and analyzed using qualitative methods through interviews with 13 Arkansas Medicaid beneficiaries who fell within the criteria of (a) being age 25 years or older, (b) receiving Arkansas Medicaid benefits or legally representing someone receiving Arkansas Medicaid benefits, and (c) residing in the state of Arkansas. Giorgi’s psychological phenomenological method and coding of thematic categories were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that Arkansas Medicaid beneficiaries face discrimination and prejudice through stigma, issues with transportation, proximity, accessibility of providers in areas, and stress. This study adds to the literature on the relationship between barriers and access to health care and delivery and how they impact the health of underserved individuals through access to quality care, diagnoses, treatment, and quality of life.

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