Service Utilization in High-Crime Communities: Consumer Views on Supports and Barriers

This study uses qualitative methods to investigate perceived supports and barriers to social and health service utilization among minorities residing in high-crime and violent communities. Focus groups were conducted with African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos (N = 64) who reside in these communities within a moderately sized Midwestern city. Both convergent and divergent themes were identified across the groups. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.