Abstract: TH-PO0974
Language Barriers Do Not Increase Risk of Proteinuria Among Participants of Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) in the Community Setting
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Chung, Lin-Huei, Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Medicine, Boston, United States
- Jiang, Ming yan, Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Ajay, Amrendra Kumar, Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Hsiao, Li-Li, Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Group or Team Name
- Li-Li Hsiao's Lab.
Background
In the US, approximately 8.3% of the population has limited English proficiency (LEP), posing healthcare challenges related to communication, access, and adherence. This study investigates the relationship between language barriers and proteinuria in an underserved community, building on previous findings of high proteinuria prevalence in this population and a suggested link between language barriers and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in Hispanics. Identifying the risk of proteinuria arising from language barriers may inform targeted interventions.
Methods
We analyzed data from 1,789 participants who attended KDSAP screening events between October 2011 and May 2018, excluding those under 18, missing proteinuria results, or lacking language barrier information. Twelve variables (seven sociodemographic and five clinical measurement variables) were analyzed using t-tests, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression (IBM SPSS version 26). The Committee on Human Research at Partners Healthcare approved the study protocol.
Results
Our results showed a high prevalence of language barriers (19.2%). Older age, being of Asian ethnicity (26.3% vs. 7% for Whites, P<0.001), lower education (34.4% for grade school vs. 8.2% for postgraduate, P<0.001), and monolingualism in Spanish (36.0%), Chinese (31.1%), Korean (45.6%), or other languages (33.3%) were associated with language barriers (P<0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed these associations. Our analyses revealed no significant association between language barriers and proteinuria prevalence (16.3% vs. 19.4%, P=0.193), even within ethnic groups. However, male gender, younger age, Black ethnicity, elevated blood pressure, and increased blood sugar were associated with proteinuria.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of language barriers in underserved communities is a significant public health concern. Interventions should target older individuals, ethnic Asians, those with low education, and non-English speakers. While no direct link between language barriers and proteinuria was found, addressing language disparities remains crucial for improving disease outcomes in the context of CKD.