The Role of Primary Care Physicians In Communicating Eye Health Messages to Hispanics/Latinos

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis: Research studies have reported that Hispanics/Latinos are less likely to receive routine health care and have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than non-Hispanic Whites. The field of eye care is no exception. The National Eye Institute (NEI) has supported research to better understand the disparities that Hispanics/Latinos face regarding eye health. 

Methods:

Among the studies supported by NEI are the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) conducted in 2004, Survey of Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Related to Eye Health and Disease (2005), DocStyles survey (2007), and NEI national focus groups (2010-2011). Each study had its own methodology:

• LALES - Assessed the risk factors for eye disease and measured health- and vision-related quality of life among 6,300 Latinos from the Los Angeles area.
• KAP - Assessed public knowledge, attitudes, and practices around eye health and disease of 3,180 adults via a telephone survey.
• DocStyles - Analyzed knowledge about vision health and disease and attitudes, opinions, and practices regarding counseling and treatment of patients among a random sample of 1,500 primary care physicians.
• NEI Focus Groups – Explored knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vision; health information preferences; patient–provider communication; and suggestions for improving access to information about vision among 456 Hispanics/Latinos ages 18–70. 

Results: Physicians play an important role in encouraging adults to seek eye care. Almost all adults (96 percent) in the KAP survey say they would be somewhat or very likely to have their eyes examined if their primary care physician suggested they do so. As DocStyles revealed, 60 percent of minority physicians said they could identify patients at higher risk for eye disease. However, just over half (52 percent) believed they had adequate knowledge to advise their patients on eye health and only 61 percent reported talking with patients about their vision and eye health. In addition to sustaining the need for eye health education for Hispanics/Latinos, results from these studies have also highlighted the importance of effective patient-provider communication in reducing health disparities. While cultural beliefs, language, and acculturation can serve as barriers to effective communication, there are opportunities to strengthen the dialogue between physicians and their Hispanic/Latino patients. 

Conclusions: Because Hispanics/Latinos get their eyes examined with less frequency than other populations and are less knowledgeable about eye disease, there is a great need to increase their awareness about eye health and the importance of getting comprehensive dilated eye exams. The primary care physician plays a key role in alerting Hispanics/Latinos to get their eyes examined, especially for those with diabetes. NEI has made a wealth of culturally appropriate educational resources available to help health professionals and community health workers deliver this crucial message to their Hispanic/Latino patients. 

Implications for research and/or practice: Providing information and referrals to an eye care professional can help advance Hispanic/Latino health and begin to address the high rates of visual impairment. Since primary care providers are seen as respected authority figures by Hispanics/Latinos, these providers should seek to educate their patients about eye health.