Abstract: TH-PO0970
Kidney Disease Educational Experience for Latinx People with Limited English Proficiency
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
- Rizzolo, Katherine M., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Finn, Kelli A, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Cervantes, Lilia, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Background
Latinx individuals experience twice the risk of incident kidney failure compared to non-Latinx White individuals, and are less likely to receive kidney disease education and subsequent preparation for dialysis. Linguistic and culturally responsive communication is critical in the period of transition to kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The aim of this study was to understand the experience of receiving kidney education for Latinx people with kidney disease with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Methods
We conducted one to one semi structured qualitative interviews with Spanish and Haitian Creole speaking individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 4 or 5) or kidney failure (requiring dialysis for less than 2 years) at a safety net net center in Boston, MA. Interviews were conducted via phone with a culture and language concordant interviewer. The audio recorded interview was transcribed and translated, then analyzed for themes.
Results
We interviewed 28 individuals: 18 pre-dialysis and 10 receiving dialysis. 20 spoke Spanish and 8 spoke Haitian Creole. 19 (67%) were male. 20% reported low English proficiency, 26 (92%) reported an income <$30,000 per year, 61% had less than a high school education. We found three main themes (table).
Conclusion
Latinx people with LEP reported multiple barriers to education, centered around poor communication with their clinician and little information about the patient lived experience with kidney disease. Explicit communication regarding the future with kidney disease and planning is important to patients, and developing improved communication in the peri-dialysis period is critical to improving outcomes for populations disproportionately affected by kidney disease.
Funding
- Other NIH Support