A Qualitative Investigation on Sources of Health Information in Chinese and Vietnamese American Groups with Limited English Proficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities, which constitute approximately 8% of the US population, face significant disparities, including healthcare access, health literacy, and culturally sensitive care. As seen during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective public health communication into these communities is challenging. Few studies have characterized where LEP Asian groups source their health information from. A better understanding of health information sources can improve the efficacy of public health outreach programs to these communities.

Methods: Using qualitative methods, we worked with two community centers that serve LEP groups in the California Bay Area to hold focus groups with individuals (N=23) who speak Cantonese and Vietnamese. We followed an interview guide asking open-ended questions about sources of health information pertaining to physicians, the internet, and the media. These focus groups were held over 2 h at facilities run by community partners. Interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic analysis.

Results: Themes of 1) Physicians and Barriers to Access, 2) The Internet and Social Media Algorithms, 3) Traditional Ethnic Media, and 4) Community and Social Support were identified. Across both groups, the primary sources of health information were language-concordant primary care physicians. Regarding media sources of health information, the Vietnamese group relied less on newspapers and more on watching YouTube, most often Voice of America. The Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking groups regularly received health information from newspapers as well as local television stations.

Conclusion: When using YouTube, this group watched health videos that were recommended by the YouTube algorithm, rather than specifically seeking out videos and channels. Future steps in our research include quantitatively characterizing health information consumption behaviors and testing specific media interventions targeted toward specific LEP groups.