Language barriers in Hispanic patients: relation to upper-extremity disability.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Health Services Research
• Psychology

Background:

• Upper-extremity disability is linked to psychosocial factors like depression and pain.
• The influence of primary language on musculoskeletal health is less understood.
• This study investigates language as a predictor of upper-extremity disability in a hand surgery setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a patient's primary language (English or Spanish) independently predicts upper-extremity disability.
• To compare the contribution of psychological distress measures to disability between English- and Spanish-speaking patients.

Main Methods:

• 122 patients (61 English, 61 Spanish speakers) from an orthopaedic hand clinic participated.
• Sociodemographic data and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires were used.
• PROMIS measures included Pain Interference, Depression, and Upper-Extremity Physical Function.
• Bivariate and multivariable linear regression models were applied.

Main Results:

• Spanish speakers reported higher upper-extremity disability, pain interference, and depression symptoms.
• Primary language was not an independent predictor of disability after adjusting for covariates.
• Depression and pain interference showed significant correlations with disability, with stronger links in Spanish speakers for depression.
• Time since immigration did not correlate with disability in Spanish speakers.

Conclusions:

• Psychological distress and pain interference are more influential on disability than primary language.
• Interventions targeting mood optimization and pain reduction are crucial for all patients, regardless of nationality.
• Effective coping strategies are key to managing musculoskeletal health outcomes.