Hitting or Missing Healthcare Expectations of Chinese Immigrants with Language Barriers

Abstract

Introduction: Chinese immigrants are one of the fastest growing yet least studied minority groups in the United States. This study explored the unique experiences of this vulnerable population which experienced language barriers during healthcare encounters.

Methods: This is a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews from 27 Chinese immigrants who had limited English proficiency and lived in urban areas of the United States. A content analysis approach was used for data analysis.

Results: Three themes emerged, which reflect participants’ unique experience about healthcare: (1) dialect matching during healthcare encounters, (2) language barriers as a source of stress and contributing to feelings of isolation, and (3) mixed expectations for bridging the language barrier.

Conclusions: Chinese immigrants with limited English proficiency have unique unmet needs and experiences related to healthcare that need to be addressed in patient-centered healthcare