Correlates of Self-Diagnosis of Chronic Medical and Mental Health Condition in Under Served African American and Latino Populations (Ethnicity & Disease)

This study examines the correlates of self-diagnosis of chronic medical and mental health conditions in under-served minority populations. The Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was employed to compare the predisposing and enabling characteristics of two groups: the first group consisted of individuals who self-reported their medical conditions without a presumptive or definitive physician diagnosis, while the second group consisted of individuals who self-reported their medical conditions with a presumptive or definitive physician diagnosis of their condition.

This study identifies unique characteristics of minority persons who claimed that their medical conditions had not been presented to or diagnosed by a medical provider in comparison to those who are formally diagnosed by medical providers. The study provides an entry point for further examination of correlates and sequels of self-diagnosis and its resultant effects on professional treatment-seeking in minority populations with certain medically important chronic conditions.

Publication Authors:

• Chizobam Ani
• Mohsen Bazargan
• Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
• Ronald M. Andersen, Ph.D.
• David W. Hindman
• Richard S. Baker