The document discusses a research study on health literacy among Hispanic patients. It explored health literacy needs, attitudes, challenges, and implications of language and culture. Focus groups were conducted with Hispanic and Caucasian patients and physicians. Tools were developed and tested to create culturally sensitive health literacy materials. Key findings included: different understandings of symptoms across cultures and Spanish-speaking groups; use of non-traditional medications and remedies; and need for education programs and materials that are culturally relevant in language, content, and format. Recommendations focused on developing programs and tools to enhance communication between doctors and patients from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

1. Cultural & Language Research NESTOR & NATURAL Cultural Horizons, Inc. www.cultural-horizons.com Nancy H. Lang

2. Health Literacy Intervention Points Outcomes

4. Research “ Culture gives meaning to health communication. Health literacy must be understood and addressed in the context of culture and language” -IOM Report

8. Case Study

9. Case Study

10. NESTOR TM N on-traditional medications and activities E ducation needs for condition S ymptoms description T reatment options (prescribed or auto-medicated) O ptions to reach the patient that are culturally relevant R ecommendations to improve compliance, help with diagnosis, education, etc. Nestores Tore n; [GR Nestor] Wisdom

13. Symptoms description NE S TOR TM *Spanish terms understood by all *hinchazon Swelling *ampollas Blisters *ardor Burning *sarpullido (or *salpullido) and *erupcion Rash *ronchas Hives Picor *picazon *comezon Itching Puerto Rico Cuba & S.A. Mexico English

14. Symptoms description NE S TOR TM *Spanish terms understood by all Askilitos/hormigueo (sensation of bugs crawling on skin) Itching (other terms) *dolor de cabeza Headache *hinchazon de ojos Swelling of eyes *piel secca Dry skin Puerto Rico Cuba & S.A. Mexico English

15. Symptoms description NE S TOR TM *Spanish terms understood by all *rechazado Rejected *deprimido Depressed *ansiedad Anxiety *desesperado Desperate *irritable or *molestoso Irritable Puerto Rico Cuba & S.A. Mexico English

20. “ Knowing is not enough; we must apply, Willing is not enough, we must do.” Goethe

21. Cultural & Language Research NESTOR & NATURAL Cultural Horizons, Inc. www.cultural-horizons.com Nancy H. Lang [email_address]