Impact of language preference and health literacy on health information seeking experiences among a low income, multilingual cohort.
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.
Patient education and counseling