This report is very interesting and is a great use of the MEPS - thanks again Cindy.
 
An interesting aspect of health care utilization and literacy for LEP Latinas is that depressive symptomatology in pregnancy is much more likely if literacy in Spanish is low when compared to LEP Latinas with higher Spanish literacy (it's the same for English speaking women when comparing low and higher literacy in English). The issue is that depressive symptomatology is associated with poor care utilization (and adherence generally) potentially by creating unique psychosocial obstacles to care. This then is potentially one way in which low literacy is related to poor care utilization - although that remains to be shown in a research study. Of course these women also need care for their psychological distress.
 
For anyone interested in this I have a paper identifying this association with depressive symptomatology that reviews the topic more fully.
 

Bennett IM, Culhane JF, McCollum K F, Mathew L, Elo IT. (2007) "Literacy and

Depressive Symptomatology Among Pregnant Latinas with Limited English Proficiency"

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Apr Vol 77 (2); 243-248

 

Ian Bennett

________________________________

From: healthliteracy-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Julie McKinney
Sent: Thu 2/21/2008 12:05 PM
To: healthliteracy at nifl.gov
Subject: [HealthLiteracy 1785] Wednesday Question: How health literacyaffects use of the system



Hi Everyone,

I looked at the report Cindy Brach referred us to on the "Demographics and Health Care Access and Utilization of Limited-English-Proficient and English-Proficient Hispanics." (thanks, Cindy!)

It's not surprising that Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured and without a usual source of care. But it is disappointing that we cannot close the gap even a little, especially since people with LEP are required by law (through the Civil Rights Act) to have equal access to care at federally-funded hospitals and health centers.

So English proficiency affects access to care and changes how people use the system. This is an issue with our system of health care delivery that should be able to benefit from health literacy interventions. How can we help more people to use primary health care, get preventive screenings, see dentists, and wind up less often in the emergency room?

Anyone out there have a good story to tell about promoting a more efficient use of the system? This is a nice goal to work for, because it helps people stay healthier AND shows up as less $$$ on the bottom line!

All the best,
Julie

Julie McKinney
Discussion List Moderator
World Education/NCSALL
jmckinney at worlded.org

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