Comparing Mindsets on Perceived Access to Healthcare Between the Communities of North Charleston, SC and Cusco, Peru

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Consumer Science

Presentation Type

Mentored

Abstract

Due to different resources and policies, access to healthcare differs around the world. How do systems compare in patient's perceived access to healthcare? This study focuses on perceived access to healthcare in North Charleston, SC and rural communities near Cusco, Peru. Both communities were given surveys in Spanish and given assistance in their native language (Quechua or Spanish). After distributing surveys that included socioeconomic and other information to both communities, the results were compared with respect to each system to understand the differences. Each system had its own problems due to the structural setup of the healthcare system and cultural traditions. For example, in the United States, 55% percent of the group responded that they were completely confident in their ability to take care of their healthcare needs as compared to 72.41% in Peru. However, the self-reported health status was lower in Peru (37.93% reported bad health) compared to in the U.S. (0%). By using past research and information such as physician density from the World Health Organization, the impact of cultural traditions and differences in economic development became clear. However, some results were less clear due to not all questions being answered and translating/listening problems. Nevertheless, the conclusion that each system has its own problem still stands despite the potential errors. This research project could lead to more connections around the world which allows us to bring the healthcare standards up to a universal level.

Location

Furman Hall 118

Start Date

3-28-2020 11:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 28th, 11:15 AM

Comparing Mindsets on Perceived Access to Healthcare Between the Communities of North Charleston, SC and Cusco, Peru

Furman Hall 118

Due to different resources and policies, access to healthcare differs around the world. How do systems compare in patient's perceived access to healthcare? This study focuses on perceived access to healthcare in North Charleston, SC and rural communities near Cusco, Peru. Both communities were given surveys in Spanish and given assistance in their native language (Quechua or Spanish). After distributing surveys that included socioeconomic and other information to both communities, the results were compared with respect to each system to understand the differences. Each system had its own problems due to the structural setup of the healthcare system and cultural traditions. For example, in the United States, 55% percent of the group responded that they were completely confident in their ability to take care of their healthcare needs as compared to 72.41% in Peru. However, the self-reported health status was lower in Peru (37.93% reported bad health) compared to in the U.S. (0%). By using past research and information such as physician density from the World Health Organization, the impact of cultural traditions and differences in economic development became clear. However, some results were less clear due to not all questions being answered and translating/listening problems. Nevertheless, the conclusion that each system has its own problem still stands despite the potential errors. This research project could lead to more connections around the world which allows us to bring the healthcare standards up to a universal level.