Impact of language preference and health literacy on health information-seeking experiences among a low-income, multilingual cohort. Issue 5 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Janet N.; Sarkar, Urmimala; Rivadeneira, Natalie A.; Hiatt, Robert A.; Khoong, Elaine C.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 105:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1268
• Page End: 1275
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Health literacy -- Language preference -- Health information-seeking; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.08.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Negative health information-seeking experiences are common in a low-income cohort. Health literacy and language preference impact information-seeking experiences. Health communication efforts should consider language preference & health literacy. Abstract: Objective: We examined the impact of language preference and health literacy on health information-seeking experiences in a multilingual, low-income cohort. Methods: We administered a modified Health Information National Trends Survey in English, Spanish, and Chinese to a sample of San Francisco city/county residents. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we assessed how language and health literacy impact health information-seeking experiences (confidence, effort, frustration, quality concerns, and difficulty understanding information), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, usual place of care, health status, information-seeking behaviors, and smartphone ownership. Results: Of 1000 participants (487 English-speaking, 256 Spanish-speaking, 257 Chinese-speaking), 820 (82%) reported at least one negative health information-seeking experience. Chinese-language was associated with frustration (aOR = 2.56; 1.12–5.86). Difficulty understanding information was more likely in Spanish-language respondents (aOR = 3.58; 1.25–10.24). Participants with limited health literacy reported more effort (aOR = 1.97; 1.22–3.17), frustration (aOR = 2.09; 1.28–3.43), concern about quality (aOR = 2.72; 1.60–4.61), and difficulty understanding information (aOR = 2.53; 1.58–4.05). Language and literacy impacted confidence only in the interaction term between Chinese-speakers and health literacy. Conclusion: We found that negative health information-seeking experiences were common in non-English speaking populations those with limited health literacy . Practice implications: Health communication efforts should consider both language preference and health literacy to ensure accessibility for all patients.