Health Care Needs of Montcalm County

Year Awarded: 2007
Project Leaders:
Maryhelen MacInnes, Sociology; Clifford Broman, Sociology; Renee Canady, Nursing; Donald Lehman, Montcalm County Extension

Project Description:
This proposal requests funding to conduct a study of health service need and utilization among the uninsured and underinsured residents of Montcalm County. Nearly 13% of Montcalm County residents lack health insurance. Moreover, given manufacturing flight from the area, thousands more may join the ranks of the uninsured. Those without health insurance often report not having a regular source of medical care, and consistently report poorer health and health service outcomes. The study aims to understand the health care needs of the residents and to promote the maximal utilization of services by exploring the degree to which residents are aware of available services and their utilization of such services.

This study will make use of both survey and qualitative data. A random sample survey will generate population-level information about the degree of health service utilization and knowledge, as well as about the insurance status of the county's citizens. Subsequent focus groups and in-depth interviews will seek information about the health care needs and concerns of the population, and will further explore barriers to service utilization. Focus groups and in-depth interviews will also provide us more information about the family and community burdens of lack of access to health care. The results of this study will allow county officials to target and market existing health services to the county population more effectively and in turn will promote the health and well-being of the population.