Ethnicity and Health Service Use in a Women's Prison

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the findings in relation to health need, ethnicity, and health service use among a sample of women in prison. Medical records review for 129 women and interviews with 15 women were conducted to determine factors associated with differential service use. Statistical analyses reveal that ethnicity and an interaction between ethnicity and whether one is on medication at prison admission (a health need variable) significantly predict extent of service use. Women of color use fewer services overall, with the exception of those on medication. Qualitative analyses reveal that women of color view the quality of medical care and the ways they are treated less positively than White women. Implications for equitable service provision are explored.