Abstract
This study examines how material hardship and perceived discrimination are associated with health care access and self-rated health among lower Rio Grande Valley residents. Of respondents to surveys administered at 2 clinic systems (N = 546), approximately 67% reported forgoing medical care in the past 12 months. Regression results suggested that perceived discrimination (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, P < .05) and material hardship (OR = 1.63, P < .001) increased the odds of forgoing care. Also, discrimination (OR = 1.04, P < .01) and material hardship (OR = 1.24, P < .001) were independently associated with worse self-rated health. Service providers should consider screening for hardship experiences to target resources to address these stressors on patient health.