What the study found
The study found that adults and seniors in Little Havana have several social and access-related barriers that may limit orthopedic care, including lower insurance coverage, more poverty, more limited English proficiency, and transportation problems. It also found higher hip fracture hospitalization rates and relatively few orthopedic centers in the neighborhood.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these findings identify areas where targeted interventions may help reduce disparities and improve orthopedic outcomes in this population. They specifically mention expanding insurance coverage, strengthening translation services, improving transportation support, and increasing local orthopedic care.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional analysis using publicly available, aggregate-level data from Statistical Atlas and Miami-Dade Matters. They examined six Little Havana zip codes for people aged 65 and older, and compared summary measures with Miami-Dade County averages. No inferential statistical testing was performed.
What worked and what didn't
Seniors in Little Havana had higher foreign-born rates and more limited English proficiency than the county overall. Adult uninsured rates and senior poverty rates were also higher, and more households lacked a vehicle. Hip fracture hospitalization rates were substantially higher than county levels for both women and men, while only seven orthopedic centers served the neighborhood and none were located in the highest-need zip code.
What to keep in mind
This was a descriptive study based on publicly available aggregate data, so it does not test cause and effect. The abstract does not describe individual-level clinical data, and it does not report inferential statistical significance.
Key points
- Little Havana seniors had more limited English proficiency and higher foreign-born rates than county averages.
- Adult uninsured rates and senior poverty rates were higher in Little Havana than in Miami-Dade County overall.
- Transportation barriers were common, with many households lacking a vehicle.
- Hip fracture hospitalization rates were higher for both women and men than county levels.
- Seven orthopedic centers served the neighborhood, and none were in the highest-need zip code.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Little Havana seniors face multiple barriers to orthopedic care
- Authors:
- Klaudia Greer, Devon Foster, Jonathan Brutti, Zachary Grand, Blake Padgett, Onelia G. Lage
- Institutions:
- Florida International University, Florida International University, Florida International University, Florida International University, Florida International University, Florida International University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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