Abstract PO-091: Access to healthcare and preventive services use by limited English proficiency (LEP) adults: Trends from the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2014–2018

Abstract

Abstract Background: The number of Limited English proficiency (LEP) adults has been increasing in the United States and LEP is adversely associated with measures of access to care. This study will further examine the association between LEP and access to healthcare and preventive services use by providing more up to date information from a United States representative sample. Methods: Adults with and without LEP aged ≥18 years were identified from the 2014–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The association between LEP and access to healthcare and preventive services was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models, stratified by age group (18–64 years and ≥65 years), controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, geographic region, and survey year. Data were analyzed in 2021. Results: Adults with LEP were more likely to not have a usual source of care in both age groups [18–64 years = (adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR]=2.86; 95% Confidence Interval =2.57-3.18); ≥65 years = (aOR=1.67; 95% CI=1.31-2.12)] and be uninsured [18-64 years = (aOR=7.25; 95% CI=6.43-8.16); ≥65 years (aOR=22.22; 95% CI=11.38-43.41)] compared to adults without LEP. Adults aged 18-64 years with LEP we also significantly less likely to utilize preventive services including blood pressure check (aOR=2.20; CI=1.94-2.49), cholesterol check (aOR=1.31; CI=1.10-1.56), any colorectal screening (aOR=1.71; 95% CI=1.44-2.03) and receipt of the flu vaccine (aOR=1.28; 95% CI=1.16-1.42) than adults without LEP. Elderly adults with LEP were also less likely to use preventive services, with a similar magnitude of association. Conclusion: Adults of all ages with LEP continue to have lower access to care and preventive services that similar adults without LEP. Healthcare systems could adopt interventions such as providing language assistance services to patients and the training of providers in cultural competence to eliminate barriers to care and improve access to preventive services. Citation Format: Natalia Ramirez, Leticia Nogueira, Robin Yabroff, Xuesong Han, Stacey Fedewa. Access to healthcare and preventive services use by limited English proficiency (LEP) adults: Trends from the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2014–2018 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-091.