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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

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01-12-2009 | Original Paper

Language Preference and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers’ Communication and Autonomy Making Behaviors among Hispanics

Authors: Lorraine S. Wallace, Jennifer E. DeVoe, John D. Heintzman, George E. Fryer

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

Background To examine influence of language preference—English versus Spanish—on Hispanics’ perceptions of their healthcare providers’ communication behaviors. Methods Using the 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), we observed non-institutionalized Hispanics (n = 5197; US population estimate = 27,070,906), aged ≥18 years, reporting visiting a healthcare provider within the past 12 months. Results When compared to Spanish responders (reference group), English responders were more likely to report that their healthcare provider “always” listened to them carefully (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.78), “always” explained things so that they understood (adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.73), “always” spent enough time with them (adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.24–2.11),”always” asked them to help make decisions (adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.82), and “always” showed respect for treatment decisions (adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.27–2.19). Discussion Healthcare providers should consider the complex needs of Hispanic patients whose language of choice is not English.

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Title: Language Preference and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers’ Communication and Autonomy Making Behaviors among Hispanics
Authors: Lorraine S. Wallace
Jennifer E. DeVoe
John D. Heintzman
George E. Fryer
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9192-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Language Preference and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers’ Communication and Autonomy Making Behaviors among Hispanics

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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