IS LANGUAGE A BARRIER TO THE CANCER CARE OF HISPANIC CHILDREN OF NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING (NES) PARENTS?

Abstract

To determine if Hispanic children of NES parents differ in their adaptation to the cancer experience and in their perceived care, 23 Anglo, 15 English speaking (ES) and 22 NES Hispanic parents were evaluated within one month following their child's diagnosis. Areas of assessment included: knowledge of treatment and disease, impact of illness on the family, psychological adjustment, satisfaction with clinic services, and available social support. Compared to both Anglo and ES Hispanic parents, NES parents had significantly less knowledge of their child's disease, more personal strain, less satisfaction with the technical competence of their child's physician, less satisfaction with the personal style of clinic nurses, and less overall satisfaction with clinic services (all p<.01). Both Hispanic groups had significantly less knowledge and social support than did Anglo parents (p<.01). Despite the ethnic differences identified above, overall psychological adjustment among the three groups was similar, with the exception that Anglo parents reported more hostility (p<.01). The findings suggest that language is a significant barrier to acquisition of knowledge and satisfaction with care for parents of children with cancer. While no specific psychological problems were identified, the need for educational and social support services are suggested.