ERIC Number: EJ1046871
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-5943
EISSN: N/A
Measuring English Linguistic Proficiency and Functional Health Literacy Levels in Two Languages: Implications for Reaching Latino Immigrants
Rojas-Guyler, Liliana; Britigan, Denise H.; Murnan, Judy; King, Keith; Vaughn, Lisa M.
Health Educator, v45 n2 p2-11 Fall 2103
The purposes of the study were to determine the health literacy levels of Latinos in the Greater Cincinnati Area in both English and Spanish by utilizing two standardized quantitative measures of health literacy, and to undertake an assessment of the relationship between language, health literacy and acculturation in this community. Given a rapid increase in the Latino immigrant population in the Midwest, data on health literacy and acculturation were needed. A convenience sample of 214 Latinos was recruited in the Greater Cincinnati Area. Semi-structured interviews in English or Spanish included three validated scales: one for linguistic proficiency, and two for health literacy levels. Results showed that most participants chose to be surveyed in Spanish and that 2/3 were married or living together, well-educated and under the age of 40 years. Almost half had more than high school education and half reported annual income under $16,000. 60% had lived in the USA 10 years or less. Almost half were born in Mexico and about a quarter in Central America. Most participants had low acculturation to US culture and low health literacy and English reading ability. Lower acculturation was associated with lower health literacy. Recommendations for Health Education practice are presented.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Surveys, Spanish, Acculturation, Literacy, Health, Hispanic Americans, Semi Structured Interviews, Statistical Analysis, Language Proficiency, Participant Characteristics, Correlation, Health Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A