Limited English Proficiency can Negatively Impact Disease/Treatment in Children With Cancer Compared to Those Who are English Proficient-an Institutional Study

Abstract

BackgroundIn 2013, 25.5 million people in the United States self-identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP). LEP in adults has been associated with longer hospital stays, increased adverse events, increased emergency room visits, and decreased understanding of medications prescribed. This study aims to define the relationship between LEP and outcomes in a pediatric oncologic population. MethodsWe performed a matched case-control study utilizing data from our institutional cancer database (children </ = 18, 2012-2021). LEP families were matched by disease and stage with English proficient (EP) families. Descriptive, univariate, and bivariate analysis were performed. ResultsTwenty-four LEP children were identified and matched with 77 EP children. LEP children represented 11 languages, with the most common being Spanish (42%). Statistical regression demonstrated a clinically significant trend for LEP children to have an increased mean number of unexpected hospital admissions (p = 0.04), increased number of clinic cancellations (n = 0.003), and increased emergency department visits (p = 0.05). LEP children were more likely to have Medicaid than commercial insurance (p < 0.001). There was no difference in 2-year event free or overall survival. ConclusionIn our study cohort, LEP families are at risk for more negative treatment experiences than EP families. Further studies are needed to delineate specific causes and interventions. Type of StudyRetrospective comparative cohort study. Level of EvidenceLevel III.