title: Language barriers surrounding medication use among older Latinos.
abstract: Limited English language proficiency forms a significant challenge for many Latinos in clinical settings. Although medications are commonly used by older individuals as a means of maintaining good health and managing health problems, the extent to which English proficiency is related to medication use among older Latinos is not known. Focus groups were conducted with Latino, community-residing individuals aged 50 and over in eastern Massachusetts. Qualitative evaluation of the group interviews suggests that language is a barrier in dealing with medication for these individuals. Limited English proficiency appears to be related to feelings of being discriminated against in clinical and pharmacy settings. As well, communicating directly with health professionals in a common language is associated with level of trust and confidence in medical settings. Use of formal and informal interpreters, as well as seeking Spanish-speaking physicians and pharmacies with Spanish-speaking staff, are identified as strategies for overcoming health-related obstacles surrounding language.
authors.affiliation: Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA. jan.mutchler@umb.edu
authors.forename: Jan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mutchler
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bacigalupe
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coppin
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gottlieb
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012646:Self Administration; D035502:Trust