New Mexico Population - Language, Speak English Less than 'Very Well'
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Why Is This Important?
People with low English proficiency can experience diminished access to health care, including obtaining preventive and primary care services or even health insurance coverage. Patients who experience difficulty communicating with their providers are more likely to be dissatisfied with their care and may misunderstand their clinician's instructions.
Definition
The percentage of persons age 5 and over who speak English less than "very well."
Data Sources
- New Mexico Population Estimates: University of New Mexico, Geospatial and Population Studies (GPS) Program.
(http://gps.unm.edu/) - U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
(http://data.census.gov)
How the Measure is Calculated
Numerator: | The estimated number persons age 5 and over who speak English less than "very well." |
Denominator: | Total estimated population aged 5 years and older. |
More Resources
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1490205/ Effects of Limited English Proficiency and Physician Language on Health Care Comprehension] [https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-primary-care-policy-center/Publications_PDFs/2009%20EH.pdf The Influence of English Proficiency on Access to Care]