Akiko Kamimura

University of Utah | UOU

Dental anxiety, the fear related to dental services, can be presented in diverse ways, hindering those in need of dental treatment. This anxiety often results in higher levels of untreated dental issues, affecting oral health-related quality of life primarily due to insufficient dental care or dental care avoidance. Identifying its causes is crucia...

Uninsured primary care patients tend to experience barriers to autonomy in clinical decision-making due to limited choices of healthcare facilities and low health literacy. This study examined whether certain factors, including the component of patient-centeredness, are associated with patient autonomy among these populations and contribute to redu...

Objectives: Stress among free clinic patients is an important issue to address in health care. Evaluating the differences between perceived stress and physiological stress will help healthcare professionals to better understand the stress and coping management skills that will improve health outcomes for underserved populations. The aim of this st...

The purpose of this study was to explore the motivation of highly physically active older adults based on the socio-ecological model, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were aged 65 or older, engaged in at least 150 minutes of self-identified moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) per week, and did not report any signif...

Communication gaps between the healthcare team and caregivers of pediatric patients can result in negative consequences. This study aims to identify specific words and phrases used in a pediatric emergency department (ED) that are unclear or confusing to caregivers. Research assistants at the Primary Children’s Hospital recorded caregivers’ respons...

Patient adherence is vital for the quality of health care outcomes and treatment efficacy, and reduces the economic burden on the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with levels of general adherence among uninsured free clinic patients. This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of free cl...

Objectives: Medically uninsured individuals living in poverty experience poor health and face social barriers that negatively affect their health. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social barriers, particularly healthy food availability and financial difficulty, and well-being among uninsured free clinic patients in...

The purpose of this research project is to examine the association between household environmental safety and stress among uninsured primary care patients who live in poverty. Data were collected from patients of a free clinic using a self-administered survey in Fall 2019. A total of 559 patients participated in the survey. Higher levels of concern...

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), pain reliever use and the expectations refugees have of physicians about their practice of CAM use in the USA. Individuals with a refugee background are one of the populations who use CAM for treatment. However, to date, there is insufficient e...

The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant public health issue especially for underserved populations. Little is known about patient satisfaction with telehealth among free clinic patients or other underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with patient satisfaction with in-person services and telehealth during...

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the following questions: 1) Do refugees and non-refugees differ in self-rated health? 2) Do refugees and non-refugees differ in cancer risk awareness? and 3) Are lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity participation, and weight status risk or protective factors of cancer risk awareness? M...

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, perceptions, and awareness of contraceptives among college students in Vietnam and the United States (US). Methods: The cross-sectional data were collected using a self-administered survey from January to March of 2019 in Vietnam and the US. There were 546 Vietnamese participants an...

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social norms and self-management ability among uninsured low-income primary care patients. Methods: Data were collected from adult patients at a free clinic using a self-administered survey from August to December 2018. Results: Higher levels of social norms to exerci...

Background Immigration stress includes acculturation stress and the stress related to language barriers, discrimination, occupational challenges, and feelings of isolation from society and a sense of newness or loss. Aims The purpose of this study was to examine immigration stress among refugees resettled in the United States. Methods A self-admi...

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of opioids and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among uninsured free clinic patients. A self-administered paper survey was collected to describe the use of opioids, complementary, and alternative medicine, and other pain relievers from 877 free clinic patients from January to April 2018....

The purpose of this study was to investigate immunization-related experiences among Karen and Karenni refugees from the Thai-Myanmar border currently living in the U.S. Exploration of knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of immunization among Karen and Karenni refugees will help strategize education programs to enhance immunization. Karen and Karenn...

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common form of interpersonal violence and impacts the health and well-being of victims over their lifetime. Many victims of IPV experience multiple types of victimization throughout their lives, often starting in childhood. The prevalence of IPV victimization of women varies among different race/ethn...

While the patient–provider relationship is one factor that can improve access to primary care for underserved populations, vulnerable patients often experience challenges to have a good relationship with providers. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect patient–provider relationship among vulnerable patients; in particular, amo...

Volunteering at a free clinic may influence career choice amongst health profession students. The purpose of this research is to explore knowledge, skill, attitudes, self-efficacy, interest in future work with the underserved, and interest in primary care amongst physician assistant (PA) students through the analysis of demographic characteristics...

This study examines how social support and perceived discrimination influence depressive symptoms of sexual minorities (including, lesbian, gay, bisexual-identifying individuals, and others with same-sex sexual partners) relative to heterosexual peers, while considering the role of HIV-positive status. We surveyed low-income, predominantly Hispanic...

Introduction Patient-centered care has become increasingly important within the United States (US) healthcare system. Given that patient-centered care predicts patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, it is of the utmost importance to study patient-centered care from the perspectives of marginalized populations including minor...

U.S.-Mexico border communities are uniquely vulnerable to sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission given the economic and social challenges these communities face. This study examines how marginalized statuses of U.S. border residents are associated with STI awareness and sexual behaviors. We surveyed low-income residents receiving STI tes...

Objectives: Underserved populations are at risk of low cancer risk awareness. The purpose of this study was to examine cancer risk awareness and lifestyle issues among uninsured primary care patients in the United States. Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered survey from May to July 2017 of adult free clinic patients (N = 506) w...

Background: Continuity of care is vital to the success of a health-care system because it improves patient satisfaction and health outcomes, and reduces hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine free clinic patients' perspectives of continuity of care in the United States. Method: A conveni...

In an effort to reform patient-provider communication, most notably in underrepresented populations, a series of English classes were offered to patients of a metropolitan free clinic in the intermountain region in the United States (US). A cohort of sociological studies undergraduates, graduate students and Professors from a local university asse...

Objective: Stress has become a growing public health concern in the United States (US). Uninsured, low-income or minority patients utilizing a free clinic are exposed to stress disproportionately across various areas of life. Health promotion programs regarding stress management have the potential to benefit vulnerable, low income populations by re...

Objectives: This qualitative project aimed at examining factors preventing or promoting practice of frequent exercising among diverse refugee groups resettled in a metropolitan area in the Intermountain region. Methods: A total of 4 education sessions on physical exercises were successfully offered to individuals with refugee background who were in...

The annual number of opioid prescriptions for pain relief has been increasing in the United States. This increase has raised concerns about prescription opioid abuse and overdose. The purpose of this study was to examine opioid risks (risk factors that increase the chance of opioid abuse) among uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clini...

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant human rights and public health issue. In particular, immigrant woman may face more challenges than non-immigrant woman when trying to leave an abusive partner. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the United States (U.S.) allows spouse-sponsored immigrant women who have experienced IPV to self-pe...

Purpose Although India has a number of health issues, the healthcare facilities in India are insufficient due to poor quality of care. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors affecting the structural quality of healthcare facilities in India. Design/methodology/approach This study used the medical facility data from the India Human D...

Purpose – Little is known about low-income immigrant parents’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with their parenting. The purpose of this paper is to examine low-income immigrant parents’ HRQoL, depression and stress. Design/methodology/approach – In the spring of 2015, English speaking and Spanish speaking low-income uninsured immi...

The United States (US) is the only developed country which does not have universal health insurance. Free healthcare clinics are operated largely by volunteers for the purpose of providing healthcare services to populations who are under- or un- uninsured in the US. Few qualitative studies have been conducted on patient experience and satisfaction...

Background: Many physicians have left Iraq due to security concerns or were killed because of war or political conflicts in the last several decades. Despite the challenges that physicians experience in Iraq and the importance of the issue of physician stress and depression globally, little is known about stress and depression related to job sati...

The American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) population is considered an “invisible minority” because their health concerns are not addressed equitably compared to other racial/ ethnic minority populations. AI/AN individuals face high rates of nutritional challenges and chronic health conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The pur...

The purpose of this study was to examine the health and well- being of women migrating from predominantly Muslim countries to the U.S. Women from predominantly Muslim countries completed a paper survey on the following topics from June to December in 2016 (N=102): depression; physical functioning; self- reported general health; experiences with h...

Objective: Free clinics provide free or reduced fee health care services to un- or under-insured individuals in the United States. Volunteers are often the primary human resources of free clinics. Previous studies on free clinic volunteers were conducted at student-run clinics, however, little is known about volunteering at non-student-run free c...

Objectives: Smoking is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to examine peer smoking and smoking-related beliefs among college students in Bangladesh. Methods: College students at two universities in Dhaka, Bangladesh participated in a self-administered survey in May and June 2017. Results: First, being...

Objective: The purpose of this project included: to provide health education for refugees and to gather perspectives on barriers, and facilitators toward healthy eating and regular physical activity. Methods: Six health promotion classes were held between February and June, in 2017. Data were collected using a pre-class survey, focus groups, and fi...

Introduction: Nonfinancial barriers are frequent causes of unmet need in health-care services. The significance of transportation barriers can weigh more than the issues of access to care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine transportation and other nonfinancial barriers among low-income uninsured patients of a safety net heal...

Objective: Oral health disparities are a significant public health issue in the United States (US). Individuals utilizing a free clinic for underserved populations are one of the at-risk populations for poor oral health. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate home oral health education classes provided at a free clinic. Methods: Dat...

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine cardiovascular disease-related health beliefs and how they are influenced by knowledge and a sense of community among uninsured primary care patients. Method: This study was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered paper survey (January to April 2016). The study population included medica...

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide and evaluate oral health care education programs for refugees resettled in the US. Methods: This project consisted of six sessions, which were held from February to April 2017. Each session included the following components: 1) a short survey that included demographic questions and oral health-re...

Objectives: In general, refugees resettled in the United States (US) may have high risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet, little is known about CVD related issues among Karen refugees migrated to the US from the Thai-Myanmar border. The purpose of this study was to examine CVD related health beliefs and lifestyle issues among Karen refugees r...

One of the main determinants of the poor health status among women in India is a women’s disadvantaged gender role. This study aims to identify the factors that affect women’s health, and particularly focuses on women’s ability to make decisions in a family concerning health-related issues and education. The data are from the India Human Developmen...

Introduction: Free clinics are important resources for those who do not have access to health care other than the emergency room services in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore continuity of care and patient satisfaction from the perspectives of free clinic patients. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with patients at...

http://jpc.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/11/29/2150131916680887.abstract Introduction: The collaborations between dental care providers and other health care providers are especially needed for underserved populations. There is a deficit of research focused on underserved populations who utilize a safety net facility such as a free clinic in the...

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-016-0245-x The purpose of this study is to assess correlations between attitude, opinions, and perceptions of sexual assault on campus and perceptions of university policies related to sexual assault among college students. Students (N = 507) at a large public university in the intermountain west reg...

Purpose: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue that affects the physical and mental health of victims. However, residents and medical students may not receive adequate training to effectively identify and intervene with patients who may be victims of IPV. The purpose of this study is to examine the background and clin...

Any sexually active person has the possibility of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV) sometime in their lifetime. HPV vaccines are effective in preventing HPV if obtained prior to viral exposure. Research on knowledge and beliefs of HPV and HPV vaccination among college students in Vietnam is significantly scarce. The purpose of this study i...

The oppression of underserved populations is pervasive throughout the history of the United States (U.S.), especially in health care. Brazilian educator Paulo Freire's controversial ideas about systems of power can be aptly applied to health care. This paper focuses specifically on arguably the most medically underserved group in the U.S. healthcar...

Objectives: Influenza is a significant worldwide public health issue. Knowledge and psychological factors such as perceptions regarding the flu vaccination are associated with whether individuals obtain the vaccination. The purpose of this study is to examine how perceptions are related to knowledge and self-efficacy of influenza and flu vaccinatio...

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between physical activity adherence and social capital among uninsured primary care patients with or without hypertension and/or diabetes. Uninsured adults using a free clinic (N = 374) participated in a self-administered survey from January to April in 2016. The percentage of participants who...

Introduction: Free clinics provide an array of medical services at little or no cost to low-income, uninsured individuals in the United States, and often rely heavily on volunteers to offer healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to explore volunteering experiences at a community free clinic. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted at a...

Introduction: Approximately 1 in 11 people are uninsured in the United States. For many that are uninsured with limited health care resources, free clinics may be their only opportunity to seek care. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of the community through the perspectives of representatives from nonprofit social service organizat...

Objectives: Environmental pollution is a significant global issue. Both objective (scientifically measured) environmental pollution and perceived levels of pollution are important predictors of self-reported health. The purpose of this study was to compare the associations between perceived environmental pollution and health in China, Japan, and So...

Lifestyle related health issues are a significant concern in the United States. In safety-net primary care clinics such as free clinics, health education programs have the potential to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle related health issues amongst vulnerable, low socioeconomic populations. The purpose of this study is to describe health education...

Lifestyle related health issues are a significant concern in the United States. In safety-net primary care clinics such as free clinics, health education programs have the potential to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle related health issues amongst vulnerable, low socioeconomic populations. The purpose of this study is to describe health education...

The Pima Indians have the highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the world. While biomedical studies have identified a genetic variable associated with the high prevalence of diabetes among Pima Indians, genetics is only one factor that encompasses an individual's risk for developing a disease. Information on the social factors relating to the developm...

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine self-reported diagnosis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and lifestyle change among uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic. Methods: Free clinic patients participated in a self-administered survey in May and June 2016. Patients with the following self-reported diagnoses were analyz...

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jphd.12193/full Objectives: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important health indicator not only for individuals but also for oral health care providers to treat a person holistically. Previous studies focused on OHRQoL do not provide comprehensive knowledge regarding low-income patients...

http://pxjournal.org/journal/vol3/iss2/4/ Free clinics provide free or reduced fee healthcare to individuals who lack access to primary care and are socio -economically disadvantaged. There has been a paucity of free clinic research with the few studies employing a quantitative design. The purpose of this study is to conduct an in-depth qualitati...

http://sgo.sagepub.com/content/6/4/2158244016675015 Rape myth acceptance is an important determinant of sexual assault behaviors. This study explored country and gender differences in rape myth acceptance among undergraduate students in the United States, Japan, and India. Male and female college students (N = 637) in these three countries partici...

http://hej.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/10/11/0017896916671761.abstract Objective: Free clinics provide free or reduced fee healthcare to individuals who lack access to primary care and are socio-economically disadvantaged in the USA. Free clinic patients may have health education needs, but experience barriers to attending health education prog...

Primary and mental health free clinics provide free or reduced fee primary care services to underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to describe health status and social characteristics among the uninsured utilizing a mental health free clinic. This study involved two parts: 1) a chart review for all new patients (N=157); and 2) a self...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149718916300532 Lifestyle interventions have shown to be effective in improving health status, health behaviors, and self-efficacy. However, recruiting participants to health education programs and ensuring the continuity of health education for underserved populations is often challenging. The go...

PMID: 26831483 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26831483 Obesity is associated with a number of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. While common prevention and treatment strategies to control unhealthy weight gain tend to target behaviors and lifestyles, the psychological factors which affect eating behav...

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. There are disparities in breast cancer mortality by race/ethnicity and socio-economic factors. Health literacy may have an impact on breast health disparities. In addition, learning about people’s perceptions of breast health and treatment is important to un...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201816303082 Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health threat and causes mental as well as physical health problems. Depression is a common mental health consequence of IPV. While Iran has a high prevalence of IPV and depression, the association between IPV and depression h...

http://www.jiph.org/article/S1876-0341(16)30093-4/abstract This study compares the factors, which influence individuals from the countries of China, Japan and South Korea to obtain any type of influenza vaccines and their perceived concerns about the new strain of the influenza - pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The data analyzed was from the East Asian Soci...