What Young African American Women Want in a Health Care Provider

The Institute of Medicine's report on racial and ethnic disparities in health care encourages enhancing patient-provider relationships by building trust. We explored factors important to 19- to 24-year-old African American women (N = 40) in choosing a health care provider. Eight focus groups were held in seven Ohio counties. Discussion was aided by photographs of client-provider interactions: two African American and two White providers (man or woman in each); in similar settings, attire, and pose; with a young African American woman client. Participants commented on what was happening in the photographs, how the woman felt, and their perceptions of each provider. Fongwa's Quality of Care model guided analysis. Women providers were favored; race was not of primary concern. Provider proximity, perceived interest, and understandability were persistent preferences. Trust, awareness of body language, interest in client, and conveying information clearly are critical for providers caring for young African American women.