Hospice knowledge and intentions among Latinos using safety-net clinics

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Research
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hospice utilization rates are notably low among Latino populations.
• There is a significant gap in understanding the reasons behind this disparity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with knowledge of hospice care.
• To explore factors linked to the intention to use hospice for cancer care among Latino immigrants.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 331 Latino immigrants in safety-net clinics.
• Data were collected via Spanish-language, interviewer-administered questionnaires.
• Logistic regression and multiple imputation were used to analyze associations between cultural values, social acculturation, and hospice knowledge/intentions.

Main Results:

• Only 29% of participants knew about hospice; 35% would choose it when defined.
• Collectivist views, family-centric values, and higher education correlated with greater hospice knowledge.
• Social acculturation was positively associated with hospice intention, while belief in prognosis secrecy was negatively associated.

Conclusions:

• Hospice knowledge alone is insufficient to increase utilization among immigrant Latinos.
• Latino social networks and organizations present potential avenues for intervention.
• Future interventions should incorporate culturally relevant values to enhance hospice adoption.