Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Public Health

Director of Thesis

Edena Guimaraes, DrPH, MPH, CHES

First Reader

Myriam Torres, Ph.D. MSPH

Second Reader

Myriam Torres, Ph.D. MSPH

Abstract

The Latino population in the United States is large and consistently growing. These individuals, due to cultural and systemic factors, are at greater risk for a variety of health problems, especially in the context of sexual and reproductive health. Many of these patients may not speak English as their first language and thus need to access interpretative services to receive care. This study sought to examine whether medical facilities using certified medical interpreters and requiring cultural competency training for their staff could reduce the cultural and communication barriers LEP Latinas experience when receiving sexual and reproductive health care services. An integrative literature review was conducted and revealed several key themes that revealed significant barriers to Latina sexual and reproductive care, as well as barriers to proper utilization of interpretative services. The findings of this study support the need for cultural competency training amongst medical professionals and the need for better enforcement of consistent interpretation services.

First Page

1

Last Page

35

Rights

© 2022, Carson Collins

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