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

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, 1924 Alcoa Highway, U-67, Knoxville, TN, 37920, USA

    Lorraine S. Wallace

  2. Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Jennifer E. DeVoe & John D. Heintzman

  3. Department of Pediatrics, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    George E. Fryer

Authors
  1. Lorraine S. Wallace
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  2. Jennifer E. DeVoe
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  3. John D. Heintzman
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  4. George E. Fryer
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Correspondence to Lorraine S. Wallace.

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Wallace, L.S., DeVoe, J.E., Heintzman, J.D. et al. Language Preference and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers’ Communication and Autonomy Making Behaviors among Hispanics. J Immigrant Minority Health 11, 453–459 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9192-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9192-9

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