Study: Lack of Bilingual Health Info Creates Gap in Hispanic Patient Care

Share On Social!

Lack of Spanish-language health information is the missing link in Hispanic patient care, according to a new study by Univision Communications.

The new study targets the “patient journey.” Patients typically go through a journey from being aware of health issues that could affect them, all the way to treating a diagnosed health problem. This journey differs for Hispanics.

Awareness is the first step to overcoming a health issue, and involves being aware that you may be at risk. Hispanics can become more aware if patients or caregivers, primarily the mother in the Hispanic family, is educated about risks. This study found that awareness could be raised in Hispanics if TVs were used for education, because this is the primary source of information for most Hispanic families.

Once aware of health issues, Latinos have a difficult time learning more about health issues that they believe they at risk for. Many websites that offer both English and Spanish language information, offer less in the Spanish version, giving Hispanics less information overall about the possible health problems.

Hispanics are 21% less likely to be diagnosed with a health issue than non-Hispanics.

After diagnosis, Hispanics have a difficult time choosing a doctor they trust. They desire more from a doctor than a simple treatment plan, wanting a more personal relationship with a doctor who will understand their fears, respect their opinions, understand their needs, and make them feel at ease.

Treatment and adherence to treatment, the final stage in the patient journey, seems to be about equal with 54% of Hispanics filling their first prescription and 57% of non-Hispanics doing the same. However, to maintain adherence to a treatment plan, marketers must gain the trust of their treatment by communicating the benefits with patients in their own language so that they will overcome the fear of side effects or failure.

Meanwhile, Spanish-language online health queries grew an average of 588% per sub-category from 2006-2011, with a higher growth rate for the term “salud” (+272%) vs. “health” (+29%).

“Our research proves that Hispanics crave more health content in Spanish as they empower themselves to learn more,” said Manny Miravete, Google’s Hispanic Industry Manager who presented this research.

Read the full report in English or Spanish here.