Chinese-Americans in California Face Barriers to Cancer Screenings

Chinese-American immigrants in California with limited health literacy and English proficiency are less likely to receive cancer screenings, according to a study published in BMJ Open, Payers & Providers reports.

Details of Study

The study was based on data from the UCLA Center for Health Policy's 2007 California Health Interview Survey. The study examined responses from 1,400 Asian-American residents, and researchers measured their English proficiency and health literacy by:

• How well respondents understood information from their physician; and
• Respondents' ability to understand instructions for prescription medication.

Findings

The study found that low English proficiency and limited health literacy correlated with low rates of cancer screenings among Chinese-Americans in California.

For example, the study found that 77.8% of all female respondents underwent a cervical cancer screening/Pap smear, while 59.4% with low health literacy did so.

Among male and female respondents, 50.9% underwent colorectal cancer screenings. In comparison:

• 61.4% of respondents who did not have limited English proficiency and health literacy were screened; and
• 39% of respondents with limited English proficiency and health literacy were screened.

The study authors said providers in the state should adapt culturally and linguistically to increase screenings among Chinese-American immigrants (Payers & Providers, 1/29).