How Spanish speakers use metaphor to describe their experiences with cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 627-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Magaña ◽  
Teenie Matlock
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Cancer Communication ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Disease Research ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
In The Wild

Our study seeks a better understanding of how Spanish-speaking cancer patients communicate about their personal experiences with cancer. We examine the use of metaphor in narratives contributed to an online forum for Spanish speakers afflicted with various types of cancer. Specifically, we identify, quantify and discuss three categories of metaphors: violence, journey and other. Our study expands prior work on cancer communication by examining a language other than English, by focusing on how cancer victims communicate among themselves, and by examining how cancer narratives discuss concerns about personal experiences with this disease. Research thus far has focused on English. The work also expands on what is known about how people use the metaphor ‘in the wild’.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Communication to English- and Spanish-Speaking Cancer Patients: A Website Analysis of Seven Healthcare Systems in North Texas (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin T Higashi ◽  
John W Sweetenham ◽  
Aimee D Israel ◽  
Jasmin A Tiro
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
North Texas ◽  
Spanish Speaking

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need to rapidly disseminate health information, especially to those with cancer because they face higher morbidity and mortality rates. At the same time, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Latinx populations underscores the need for information to reach Spanish-speakers. However, the equity of information about COVID-19 to Spanish-speaking cancer patients communicated through institutions’ online media is unknown. OBJECTIVE We conducted a multi-modal, mixed method document review study to evaluate the equity of online information about COVID-19 and cancer available to English and Spanish speaking populations from seven healthcare institutions in North Texas, where one in five adults is Spanish-speaking. Our focus is less on the “digital divide”, which conveys disparities in access to computers and the Internet based on the race/ethnicity, education, and income of at-risk populations; rather, our study asks: to what extent is online content useful and culturally appropriate in meeting Spanish-speakers’ information needs? METHODS We reviewed 50 websites (33 English, 17 Spanish) over a period of one week in mid-May 2020. We sampled seven institutions’ main oncology and COVID web pages, as well as both internal (institutional web pages) and external (non-institutional web pages) linked content. We conducted several analyses for each sampled page: (a) thematic content analysis, (b) literacy level analysis using Readability Studio software, (c) coding using the Patient Education and Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), and (d) descriptive analysis of video and diversity content. RESULTS The themes most frequently addressed on English and Spanish websites differed somewhat. While “resources/FAQs” were frequently cited themes on both websites, English websites more frequently addressed “news/updates” and “cancer+COVID”, whereas Spanish websites addressed “protection” and “COVID data”. Spanish websites were on average lower literacy (11th grade) than English (13th grade), although still far above recommended guidelines of <9th grade. The overall average accessibility score using the PEMAT analysis was the same for English (n=33 pages) and Spanish pages (n=17 pages) at 82%. Among the DFW organizations, the average accessibility of the Spanish pages (n=7) was slightly lower than that of the English pages (n=19) at 77% vs. 81%, respectively, due mostly to the discrepancy in English-only videos and visual aids. Twelve of the 50 websites (24%) had embedded videos in them, however 100% of videos were in English, including one that was on a Spanish website. CONCLUSIONS We identified an uneven response among the seven healthcare institutions to providing equitable information to Spanish-speaking DFW residents concerned about COVID and cancer. Spanish-speakers lack equal access in both diversity of content about COVID-19 and access to other websites, leaving an already vulnerable cancer patient population at greater risk. We recommend several specific actions to enhance content and navigability for Spanish-speakers.

Lifting the voices of Spanish-speaking Kansans: a community-engaged approach to health equity

Multilingua ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Showstack ◽  
Silvia Duque ◽  
Nikki Keene Woods ◽  
Ana López ◽  
Amy Chesser
Keyword(s):  
Health Equity ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Engagement Process

Abstract An important component of social justice research is centering the voices of those individuals whose lives the research is intended to improve, not as subjects from whom researchers collect data but as active participants in a process of understanding and addressing issues of concern to the community. This ideal of community engagement slows the pace of dissemination of traditional social science or sociolinguistic scholarship but also allows scholars and community members to collaborate to identify and implement meaningful solutions to community problems. We describe a process of engagement of Spanish-speaking patients, interpreters, and healthcare providers in developing a health equity agenda for Spanish speakers in Kansas, grounded in a community-based participatory approach called Patient-Centered Outcomes Research. Stakeholders were engaged through sharing and amplifying their testimonios, stories that tied personal experiences of encountering language barriers in healthcare with calls to action, and they contributed to decisions about what to do with the stories and how to respond to the problems they identified. The result of our engagement process is the formation of a community-based team that has amplified the voices of Spanish-speaking patients and families to reach a range of audiences and responded to a number of evolving community needs. We provide recommendations for language researchers interested in pursuing community-engaged work and explore the possibilities for aligning such work with the expectations of academic institutions.

Classroom Instruction for Young Spanish Speakers

1974 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-19
Author(s):  
Joyce Evans ◽  
A. E. Guevara
Keyword(s):  
Mexican American ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cultural Background ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Bilingual Instruction ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Spanish Speaker ◽  
American Children ◽  
Certified Teacher

Bilingual instruction for the education of Mexican American children, particularly instruction in Spanish, is a problem in many parts of the country. Instructional materials developed specifically for the Spanish speaking child are not always available and a literal translation of English language materials into Spanish may be inadequate and/or inaccurate. Programs designed for the Spanish speaker and taught by a certified teacher who is bilingual are preferable. When this is not immediately possible, temporary solutions or arrangements can be implemented within schools and/or preschool centers in order to build upon the child's native language and cultural background.

scholarly journals A single nuclei transcriptomic analysis of the Atlantic salmon gill through smoltification and seawater transfer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C. West ◽  
Yasutaka Mizoro ◽  
Shona H. Wood ◽  
Louise M. Ince ◽  
Marianne Iversen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Freshwater Environments ◽  
Transcriptomic Studies

AbstractAnadromous salmonids begin life adapted to the freshwater environments of their natal streams before a developmental transition, known as smoltification, transforms them into marine-adapted fish. In the wild, the extending photoperiods of spring stimulates smoltification, typified by radical reprogramming of the gill from an ion-absorbing organ to ion-excreting organ. Prior work has highlighted the role of specialized “mitochondrion-rich” cells in delivering this phenotype. However, transcriptomic studies identify thousands of smoltification-driven differentially regulated genes, indicating that smoltification causes a multifaceted, multicellular change; but direct evidence of this is lacking.Here, we use single-nuclei RNAseq to characterize the Atlantic salmon gill during smoltification and seawater transfer. We identify 20 distinct clusters of nuclei, including known, but also novel gill cell types. These data allow us to isolate cluster-specific, smoltification-induced changes in gene expression. We also show how cellular make-up of the gill changes through smoltification. As expected, we noted an increase in the proportion of seawater mitochondrion-rich cells, however, we also identify a reduction of several immune-related cells. Overall, our results provide unrivaled detail of the cellular complexity in the gill and suggest that smoltification triggers unexpected immune reprogramming directly preceding seawater entry.

Housing Stability and Transactional Sex among Spanish-Speaking and English-Speaking Transgender Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141
Author(s):  
John A. Sauceda ◽  
Edda I. Santiago-Rodriguez ◽  
Gaspar Zaragoza ◽  
Catherine E. Rivas ◽  
Luz Venegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Transactional Sex ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Housing Stability ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
English Speaking

There is evidence for a relationship between housing instability and transactional sex among transgender women. However, less is known about this relationship among monolingual Spanish-speaking transgender women. We compared Spanish- and English-speaking transgender women for differences in ever reporting transactional sex, and if perceived housing stability moderated these differences. Using a cross-sectional design, we surveyed 186 Spanish- and English-speaking transgender women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the San Francisco Bay Area, California. All variables in this study were from a brief demographic questionnaire in a larger parent study. Using a multivariate regression model for moderation, we tested whether the odds for reporting transactional sex were different between English and Spanish speakers, and whether housing stability moderated these odds. Overall, Spanish and English speakers reporting similar percentages of transactional sex (52.3–53.8%) and similar scores on the housing stability measure. In the moderation regression model, Spanish speakers had 7.9 times the adjusted odds of transaction sex, versus English speakers, but housing stability moderated the probability of transactional sex in the form of a crossover interaction. That is, lesser housing stability was associated with a higher probability of reporting transactional sex among Spanish speakers, yet greater housing stability was also associated with lower probability of reporting transactional sex. Housing stability evidenced both a risk and protective role for Spanish-speaking transgender women, which highlight the importance of this basic health need.

Abstract 184: Unraveling Disparities: Stroke Literacy, Self-Efficacy, and Perceptions of Care Among Spanish-Speaking Stroke Survivors

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Cheng ◽  
Barbara Vickrey ◽  
Frances Barry ◽  
Monica Ayala-Rivera ◽  
Eric Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Care Patient ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Perceptions Of Care

Background: Approximately 25 million people in the US are Limited English Proficient (LEP). LEP individuals are more likely to feel dissatisfied with the quality of healthcare when compared to the English proficient, but little is known about LEP stroke survivors. Objective: To evaluate differences in stroke literacy, self-efficacy, and perceptions of healthcare delivery in English and Spanish-speaking individuals enrolled in the Secondary stroke prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic care model teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED) trial. Methods: SUCCEED participants were given the option of receiving the intervention in English or Spanish. Baseline differences in stroke literacy (Schneider et al), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale), and perceptions of care (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) were compared using T-test, Chi Square, and Fisher Exact in individuals who chose Spanish vs. English. Results: Of 487 participants, 207 preferred English and 280 chose Spanish. Despite feeling more worried about having a stroke (77 % vs. 67%), and feeling at risk of having a stroke (63% vs. 45%), Spanish-speakers were less likely to identify 3 stroke risk factors (19% vs. 33%, all p<0.05). Half of Spanish-speakers had difficulty understanding what was being told to them (50% vs. 30%), and less than half felt confident filling out medical forms (40% vs. 70%, both p<0.05). Spanish-speakers responded favorably about the ease of hospital admission or accessing medical care (80% vs. 55% and 72% vs. 53%), but responded negatively about providers spending enough time with them or explaining things in a way that was easy to understand (56% vs. 24% and 52% vs. 28%, all p<0.05). Spanish-speakers were more likely to feel that providers did not listen or respect what they had to say (52% vs. 22% and 44% vs. 17%, both p<0.05). Conclusion: Among stroke survivors, Spanish-speakers were more likely to have low stroke literacy, low self-efficacy, and a negative perception of healthcare delivery despite feeling that healthcare was accessible. Recognizing language barriers as a contributor to healthcare disparities, and tailoring interventions to address these barriers are crucial.

scholarly journals Demographically-Corrected Norms for the Grooved Pegboard Test and Finger Tapping Test in monolingual Spanish speakers from the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1256-1256
Author(s):  
A Heaton ◽  
A Gooding ◽  
M Cherner ◽  
A Umlauf ◽  
D Franklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Finger Tapping ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Hispanic Population ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Motor Test ◽  
Mexico Border ◽  
Finger Tapping Test ◽  
Grooved Pegboard Test

Abstract Objective We developed demographically-corrected norms for US-dwelling, Spanish-speaking Hispanics on two widely used tests of motor skills - the Grooved Pegboard Test (Pegs) and Finger Tapping Test (Tapping). We then examined the effects of applying established norms for non-Hispanic Caucasians (NH Whites) and non-Hispanic African Americans (NH Blacks) on motor test results from our Hispanic population. Participants and Method 254 participants living in the US-Mexico border region of San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ completed Pegs, and a subset (n = 183) completed Tapping. Age ranged from 19-60 and education from 0-20 years, with 59% women. Raw test scores were converted to demographically-corrected T-scores with a fractional polynomial procedure and compared to a fitted curve for the original data. Results Findings included significant main effects of education on both tests (p &lt; .001), and of age for Pegs (p &lt; .001). There was a significant interaction of sex and age on Tapping, such that older age was associated with lower scores in men only (p = .02). The resulting normative T-scores were confirmed to be free from demographic influences. Using a T &lt; 40 cut point, rates of impairment in the Spanish speaking normative sample for dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) hands, respectively, were 17% and 14% for Pegs, and 12% and 10% for Tapping. Applying existing norms for NH Whites and NH Blacks to the raw scores of Spanish speakers generally yielded lower impairment rates on all measures, with one exception, Pegs ND, for which NH White norms overestimated impairment (23%). Conclusions Normative standards from other groups are not a good fit for interpreting motor test performance in this Hispanic population, which in the current instance would have generally underdiagnosed fine motor impairment. These findings underscore the importance of appropriate, population-specific normative data- even for tests of motor ability.

scholarly journals Neurocognitive Impairment in Spanish-Speaking Latinos Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States: Validation of Neuropsychological Tests Norms

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1259-1259
Author(s):  
L Kamalyan ◽  
M A Hussain ◽  
M M Diaz ◽  
A Umlauf ◽  
D R Franklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
The United States ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairment ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Us ◽  
Mexico Border

Abstract Objective Latinos in the US are at increased risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Yet, most studies in this group have included English-speakers only. We investigated the rate and pattern of HIV-associated NCI in Spanish-speaking Latinos from the US-Mexico border region by utilizing newly developed norms for this group, and compared it to previously published norms for English-speaking non-Latino Whites and Blacks/African Americans. Participants and Method Participants included 153 HIV+ Spanish-speaking Latinos (Age: M = 38.2, SD = 9.7; Education: M = 10.9, SD = 3.6; 27% female; 56% AIDS) living in the greater San Diego area. Participants completed comprehensive neuropsychological, neuromedical and psychiatric assessments in Spanish. The neuropsychological test battery employed in this study - and used extensively in prior studies of HIV- assesses seven ability domains. Raw test scores were converted to demographically-adjusted T-scores using regional norms for Spanish-speakers, and for non-Latino Whites and Blacks. NCI was defined per established criteria. Results Rate of global NCI was 39% using norms for Spanish-speaking Latinos, compared to 64% with White norms and 18% with Black norms. Using norms for Spanish speakers, domain specific NCI among those impaired was highest in executive function (68%), speed of information processing (65%), learning (51%), and working memory (50%). The pattern of HIV associated NCI varied when norms developed for non-Latino Whites and Blacks were used. Conclusions HIV+ Spanish speakers showed similar rates of global NCI to those in other HIV+ populations, when norms developed for this group were used. In contrast, use of non-Latino White and Black norms resulted in misclassification of impairment. The pattern of NCI differed based on the norms used. Present findings highlight the importance of utilizing norms developed for Spanish-speakers in the US in order to obtain more precise and valid depictions of cognition in this population.

NT2 ervaringen in Amsterdam

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-179
Author(s):  
Fleur Verbiest ◽  
Jan D. ten Thije
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Dutch Government ◽  
Dutch Society ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Dutch Language

According to the Dutch government it is essential for migrants to learn Dutch in order to achieve social and economic independency. This article states that Dutch language proficiency is not necessary in order to survive for Spanish speaking migrants who live in Amsterdam. This statement is supported with results that are obtained through participant observation at Spanish speaking migrant organisations and 25 focus interviews with Spanish speakers. The research results lead to the conclusion that Spanish speaking migrants in Amsterdam survive by using English. The citizens of Amsterdam make it difficult for Spanish speaking migrants to learn Dutch because they prefer to speak English with them. Furthermore, also at the current labour market, Dutch is not used as an effective means of communication but instead as a selection tool. Knowledge of Dutch is only experienced as essential by Spanish speaking migrants who want to integrate and understand Dutch society.

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