Patient-provider communication patterns among Asian American immigrant subgroups in New York City.
Serena Phillips, Laura C Wyatt, Monique M Turner and 2 others
PMID 33097362WHAT IT FOUND
In New York City Asian American adults, 10.7% reported understanding only some or a little of what their doctor said.
Low comprehension was highest among Southeast Asians and associated with language mismatch, limited English, lower education, and perceived cultural misunderstanding.
Key findings
01Overall, 10.7% of respondents reported some or only a little understanding of what the doctor said, highest among Southeast Asians (21.5%), East Asians (9.5%), and South Asians (5.5%).
02In the full adjusted model, low comprehension was associated with Southeast Asian subgroup, less than high school education, limited English proficiency, public insurance, not sharing a language with the provider, and lower perceived cultural understanding.
03Among Southeast Asian groups, low comprehension varied widely: Cambodian 56.3%, Thai 27.6%, Indonesian 21.7%, Vietnamese 19.0%, Filipino 8.9%, and Burmese 4.8%.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Participants were recruited at community events, so they may not represent all Asian American immigrants in New York City. The percentages describe this sample, not the true population prevalence. Some participants were excluded because of missing answers, which may bias the adjusted results. Differences between subgroups could reflect where the survey was done or how people answered, not only real communication differences. Comprehension and cultural sensitivity were measured with single questions, not validated multi-item scales. The survey did not record when the visit happened or what type of provider was seen, and it did not record the language actually used during the visit. It is cross-sectional and based on self-report, so it shows associations, not that any factor caused low comprehension.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not include a conflict-of-interest declaration; the publication types list NIH extramural research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the subgroup percentages as national prevalence or as proof that language-concordant care will improve understanding. The sample came from community events in New York City, and the study measured reported comprehension, not a tested communication intervention.