Assessment of Spanish Translation of Websites at Top-Ranked US Hospitals

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected Latinx communities across the United States. Latinx and African American individuals have 3 times the infection rate and twice the mortality rate from COVID-19 compared with White individuals.¹ Latinx individuals are overrepresented as essential workers, which has contributed to their increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing related complications.² Additional factors likely contribute to poor Latinx health outcomes, including institutional racism, discrimination, health care access, and socioeconomic and documentation status.³ As of 2019, the US population is 16.9% Latinx, of which 16.1% speak Spanish and do not speak English well.⁴ Many hospitals have implemented programs to improve accessibility of services to diverse populations. However, translation continues to be inadequate in addressing language barriers preventing Latinx communities from seeking appropriate care.⁵ Particularly, patients are deprived of important information about hospitals due to a paucity of Spanish translation of hospital websites. Our cross-sectional study aims to elucidate this issue by investigating potential variables associated with Spanish translation of hospital websites.