Characteristics of Newly Immigrated, Spanish-Speaking Latinos Who Use the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

This study aimed to assess Latino immigrant usage, access, and reason for coming to the pediatric emergency department (PED) and clarify parental perceptions, barriers, and concerns regarding Latino children's health. Interviews and questionnaires were verbally administered to a convenience sample of newly immigrated (<10 years in the United States) Latino parents of 57 patients presenting to the PED. Compared with those with higher levels of acculturation, Latinos with lower levels of acculturation were more likely to use the PED to meet their children's health care needs. It seems that our PED has higher usage by Latino families compared with non-Latino families, which may be related to the lack of Latino-focused health infrastructure in our city. Once these families present to the PED, they do not seem to differ from overall users at our ED and nationally with regard to reason for visit. Similar to many other secondary migration hubs across the United States, our city has experienced dramatic growth in its Latino population in the last several years. Although health care providers anecdotally report increased service to Spanish-speaking populations, very little is known about the health care experience of Latino families in our area. To provide both equal and expert care to Latino children in the PED setting, it is essential that providers have this information specific to the context in which they work.