Assessing the Influence of Patients' Perceptions of Physicians' Cultural Competence on Patient Satisfaction in an Appalachian Ohio Context

Abstract

Existing literature has found that Appalachia is a region with slow economic growth, health disparities, and a unique culture. However, little is known about the intersection of health and culture in an Appalachian context. To that end, we surveyed 306 participants from the patient base at a local clinical system serving three Appalachian Ohio counties in the United States (Athens, Jackson, and Gallia) to measure the influence of four dimensions of patients' perception of physicians' cultural competence on patient satisfaction with the direct clinical encounter. Analysis of variance and median split analysis found an association between patients' perceptions of physicians' cultural competence and patient satisfaction with the direct clinical encounter. These findings contribute to understanding cultural competence in unique contexts and will help stakeholders better understand the needs of Appalachian Ohio residents in receiving culturally competent health care.