How U.S. Virgin Islanders Talk about Health and Health Care

1. How U.S. Virgin Islanders Talk about Health and Health Care Gloria B. Callwood, Ph.D., R.N. University of the Virgin Islands  Michael L. Radelet, Ph.D. University of Colorado – Boulder Hossein N. Yarandi, Ph.D. Wayne State University Caribbean Exploratory NCMHD Research Center for Excellence

2. US Virgin Islands • Three Main Islands • St. Croix • St. Thomas • St. John • 346 Square miles (about twice size of Washington DC) • 110,000 residents

3. The Focus Groups • Goal: To further understanding of how residents of the USVI view health issues, including how good health is defined, the role of mainstream and alternative health care delivery systems in achieving better health, and to pinpoint issues that need further study.

4. The Focus Groups • Six Focus Groups • One group for each gender from each island. • Research conducted Spring 2008.

5. Findings • Definitions of “Health” • What are the most crucial health care problems? • Perceived barriers to good health and good health care. • What is the role of personal responsibility in attaining good health? • Feelings about health care professionals’ “customer service.” • Where do people in the USVI obtain health information?

6. Issues for Future Research • Multi-dimensional view of “health” • Partnerships in health • Huge concerns about confidentiality

7. Men’s Survey • Connivance sample of adult males present in US Virgin Island • N = 508 • Mean Age = 41.60 years (n = 498) • SD = 17.77 years • Minimum = 17 years • Maximum = 83 years