CFS News Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Is Health Literature Available for Minorities? CFS Examines Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties
It is projected that by 2010 Hispanics/Latinos will be the largest minority group in the United States, comprising nearly 20% of the population. Yet, this group continues to face poor health risks and unfavorable outcomes in comparison with the general U.S. population. Nationally and locally, health care organizations and programs are struggling to deliver culturally competent and linguistically appropriate health care services to diverse clients.
To determine if the Tampa Bay area health systems are providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health promotion literature, Linda Callejas and Peter Gamache recently evaluated literature collected from County health department sites, primary practice offices, hospitals, and clinics. Focus groups were held with Spanish-speaking residents who had been in contact with the Hillsborough and Pinellas County health systems within the past year to evaluate the effectiveness of these materials.
”We found that material is often irrelevant and available only from Hispanic doctors or in low income areas, leading to segregation and conditioning to visit certain doctors,” said Peter Gamache.
Findings also revealed that materials did not relate to the most serious problems in the community, such as diabetes, obesity (especially among youth) & nutrition, cancer, anemia, allergies, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Awareness about available materials was low, and distribution was not reflective of community representation.
In addition, those surveyed shared experiences at offices and clinics that involved excessive waiting for a translator. Others said they would have to take someone (such as a child kept from school) to interpret for them.
“I had to take my sick mother home because I couldn’t understand anything at the first clinic I went to,” responded one participant. Another said, “When I have seen health materials in Spanish, it’s like they are translated by the computer.”
“These negative experiences often result in delayed care, reliance on home remedies, antibiotic lending, grey market medications, and serious medical complications,” added Gamache.
After reviewing all responses and concerns expressed during the six focus groups, recommendations for improved culturally competent and linguistically appropriate health care services include:
- Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties should engage Hispanic organizations for the most effective ways to reach the community
- Realign the county communications budget (proportional distribution)
- Treat people respectfully; reduce waiting times
- Work with Hispanic media
- Increase the # of persons available to serve as liaisons to the community
- Make insurance information available in Spanish due to complexity
- Increase grants and funding for research to inform policymakers
On September 26, 2008, Callejas and Gamache presented the findings and recommendations at the Providing Services to a Multicultural Community in Healthcare Settings conference held at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, and sponsored by the Hispanic Leadership Council. In attendance were nearly 100 participants representing healthcare agencies, health departments, hospitals, and other facilities that provide services to the community.
“Attendees were highly receptive, and several approached with their contact information and words of encouragement for our research,” said Gamache. “Linda Callejas and I are currently developing a journal article that we are targeting for completion in Spring 2009. We believe the design of this study could be expanded for a statewide analysis and hope further funding will allow us to continue efforts to improve health services for minorities.”
The research project was funded through the USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities, as part of the Faculty Grants for Community Engagement, which provides seed dollars to foster faculty research projects in partnership with community collaborators. Callejas and Gamache partnered with the Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative (TBHC) and the Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies. For additional information, contact Peter Gamache at 813-974-8566.
The Department of Child and Family Studies is committed to improving the well-being of individuals, children, and families within communities across the country through promoting respect, inclusion, development, achievement, mental health, and an optimum quality of life.
