Public Health
Health care disparities among Hispanic residents in the U.S. are strongly influenced by the language spoken at home, researchers report in a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
The study found that Hispanic residents who did not speak English at home had poor access to health care services, especially among Hispanics who were uncomfortable speaking English. The authors also noted that Hispanics who speak English at home obtain the recommended health care services at the same level as non-Hispanic whites.
Researchers conclude that the findings could help policymakers and health care providers develop strategies to reduce health care barriers for minorities (Cheng et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, October 2007).