A Mixed-methods Approach to Understanding Language Interpretation Services in Health Care Settings among Asian American Immigrants from Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds.

Background: Asian Americans (AA) face cultural and linguistic barriers to health care access, resulting in poor health outcomes. This study investigates the experiences of AAs using language interpretation services (LIS) in health care settings.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a community survey (N=401) and seven focus groups between April and September 2023. We use the Andersen model to understand the experience around LIS for AAs and calculated descriptive statistics for predisposing (i.e., sociodemographic factors and attitudes toward LIS), enabling (i.e., perceived barriers), and need factors (i.e., perceived need for LIS). Focus groups were analyzed using a modified template approach to text analysis.

Results: Quantitative and qualitative analyses found that although AAs recognize the benefits and need for LIS, various barriers (e.g., lack of interpreters when booking an appointment) preclude these communities from accessing these services.

Conclusions: Results from this study will help inform interventions that seek to improve LIS within health care systems.