A Descriptive Profile of Socioeconomic And Household Characteristics of Latino Families Attending a Northeast Tennessee Health Clinic
Abstract
Over the last decade, Latino populations have grown rapidly in rural regions of the United States, including Appalachia. Yet, limited local information exists about the socioeconomic and household conditions that may influence health in these communities. National data may not reflect the realities of medically underserved rural areas, where insurance coverage, employment stability, transportation, and food access often differ from urban settings. This descriptive study aimed to characterize the household and socioeconomic conditions of Latino families attending a Northeast Tennessee health clinic. We asked: What are the common household and economic characteristics of Latino families served by this clinic? We expected to observe financial and living challenges that may affect health and use of health services. These findings provide local information to guide future research and community efforts. A cross-sectional survey was administered in 2023-2024 to adults (≥ 18 years) who were primary household health decision-makers. Other eligibility criteria included being Spanish speaking, first-generation immigrants, and lacking private health insurance. The survey captured demographics, household composition, employment, and food access. Frequency distributions and measures of central tendency were obtained. Most respondents were female (98%), born in Mexico (73%), and married or in a domestic partnership (69%); 49% were employed. The median household size was four persons, the median number of children was 1, and the median age was 24. Sixty-nine percent of households had a family member receiving Medicaid. Indicators of food insecurity were common: 42% of the households reported use of SNAP benefits and 60% reported use of WIC benefits. These findings document substantial socioeconomic challenges among Latino families in Northeast Tennessee and provide local evidence to inform future research and targeted community interventions.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
59
Presentation Type
Poster
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Mildred Maisonet
A Descriptive Profile of Socioeconomic And Household Characteristics of Latino Families Attending a Northeast Tennessee Health Clinic
Culp Ballroom 316
Over the last decade, Latino populations have grown rapidly in rural regions of the United States, including Appalachia. Yet, limited local information exists about the socioeconomic and household conditions that may influence health in these communities. National data may not reflect the realities of medically underserved rural areas, where insurance coverage, employment stability, transportation, and food access often differ from urban settings. This descriptive study aimed to characterize the household and socioeconomic conditions of Latino families attending a Northeast Tennessee health clinic. We asked: What are the common household and economic characteristics of Latino families served by this clinic? We expected to observe financial and living challenges that may affect health and use of health services. These findings provide local information to guide future research and community efforts. A cross-sectional survey was administered in 2023-2024 to adults (≥ 18 years) who were primary household health decision-makers. Other eligibility criteria included being Spanish speaking, first-generation immigrants, and lacking private health insurance. The survey captured demographics, household composition, employment, and food access. Frequency distributions and measures of central tendency were obtained. Most respondents were female (98%), born in Mexico (73%), and married or in a domestic partnership (69%); 49% were employed. The median household size was four persons, the median number of children was 1, and the median age was 24. Sixty-nine percent of households had a family member receiving Medicaid. Indicators of food insecurity were common: 42% of the households reported use of SNAP benefits and 60% reported use of WIC benefits. These findings document substantial socioeconomic challenges among Latino families in Northeast Tennessee and provide local evidence to inform future research and targeted community interventions.
