Disparities in self-management outcomes by limited English proficiency among adults with heart disease

Phuong Nguyen; Melody K Schiaffino; Brandy J Lipton

doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101407

Disparities in self-management outcomes by limited English proficiency among adults with heart disease

Prev Med Rep. 2021 May 18:23:101407. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101407. eCollection 2021 Sep.

Authors

Phuong Nguyen¹, Melody K Schiaffino^{1

2}, Brandy J Lipton^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
² Center for Health Equity, Education and Research (CHEER), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
³ Center for Health Economics & Policy Studies, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.

Abstract

There are significant disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes by limited English proficiency (LEP). Self-management plans (SMPs) are associated with better patient outcomes, however little is known about the association of LEP with having an SMP among adults with heart disease. This study examined this association using 2013-2016 California Health Interview Survey data. Among adults that received an SMP, we also examined whether they had a hard copy SMP (print or electronic vs. none), and whether they reported confidence in their ability to manage their heart disease. Our sample included a total of 9102 adults, including 1232 LEP and 7870 English proficient (EP) adults. LEP was associated with significantly lower odds of SMP receipt (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.31 to 0.68). LEP and EP adults who received an SMP were similarly likely to have a hard copy SMP and report confidence in heart disease management. The finding that LEP adults were less likely than EP adults to receive an SMP may represent a missed opportunity to improve heart health outcomes for this group.

Keywords: Communication barrier; Heart disease; Limited English proficiency; Self-management.