DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Sovenga St, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa.
BMC Public Health. 2024 Oct 11;24(1):2782. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20332-z.
Language plays a critical role in health communication, particularly in the management and understanding of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among elderly populations. This study aimed to explore the language barriers that affect elderly participants' comprehension of NCDs, focusing on how these barriers impact their understanding of disease causes, symptoms, treatment, and self-management. The study also investigated how linguistic differences between healthcare workers and patients influence the effectiveness of health interventions in a rural South African context.
This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with elderly participants aged 60 years and above, all of whom have chronic diseases. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using an interview guide during the AWI-Gen 2 research feedback sessions in the Ga-Dikgale area. Data analysis was performed using QSR NVivo 10 to identify key themes.
Five major themes emerged regarding participants' understanding of NCDs and the perceived language barriers. These include Limited Knowledge and Awareness of NCDs, Misconceptions about NCDs, Mixed perceptions regarding NCD causes and treatment, Discrepancies in healthcare workers' communication, and the Importance of interpreters in facilitating NCD-related communication.
The study revealed significant misconceptions about diabetes and hypertension, as well as traditional practices like bloodletting, which were perceived to relieve hypertension symptoms. It also identified critical communication barriers, including limited time for health practitioners to explain diagnoses and treatments. The findings emphasize the need for interpreters and culturally sensitive communication strategies to improve health literacy and care. Collaborative efforts between traditional and western health practitioners are recommended to address these issues and enhance community health interventions.
语言在健康传播中起着至关重要的作用，尤其是在老年人管理和理解非传染性疾病（NCD）方面。本研究旨在探讨影响老年参与者理解 NCD 的语言障碍，重点研究这些障碍如何影响他们对疾病病因、症状、治疗和自我管理的理解。该研究还调查了医疗保健工作者和患者之间的语言差异如何影响农村南非背景下健康干预措施的效果。
本研究采用定性现象学研究方法，参与者为年龄在 60 岁及以上且患有慢性疾病的老年人。在 Ga-Dikgale 地区的 AWI-Gen 2 研究反馈会议期间，使用访谈指南进行了深入的面对面访谈。使用 QSR NVivo 10 对数据进行分析，以确定关键主题。
研究结果显示，参与者对 NCD 的理解和感知的语言障碍主要有五个方面：对 NCD 的了解和认识有限、对 NCD 的误解、对 NCD 病因和治疗的看法不一致、医疗保健工作者沟通的差异以及口译员在促进 NCD 相关沟通方面的重要性。
本研究揭示了关于糖尿病和高血压的重大误解，以及放血等传统做法，这些做法被认为可以缓解高血压症状。它还确定了关键的沟通障碍，包括医疗保健从业者解释诊断和治疗的时间有限。研究结果强调了需要口译员和文化敏感的沟通策略来提高健康素养和护理水平。建议传统和西方医疗保健从业者之间进行合作，以解决这些问题并加强社区健康干预措施。
