Health researchers are facing challenges when it comes to including speakers of languages other than English (LOE) in their studies. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on the barriers that prevent the inclusion of non-English-speaking individuals in research projects.
According to senior author Dr. Maya Ragavan, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, the exclusion of LOE speakers from research studies can have significant implications. By overlooking individuals who speak languages other than English, researchers may miss out on valuable insights that could benefit the entire community. This lack of inclusivity can lead to skewed findings and hinder the overall quality of scientific research.
Despite the fact that LOE speakers make up 8.2% of the U.S. population and are more likely to experience health disparities, studies have shown that they are often left out of research projects. A study conducted by Ragavan and her team revealed that only 9% of pediatric studies included non-English-speaking children or families.
To better understand the reasons behind this exclusion, researchers surveyed primary investigators and study coordinators at the University of Pittsburgh. The survey results showed that many researchers did not actively seek to include LOE speakers in their studies, only doing so reactively after the research had already begun.
Common barriers cited by researchers for not including LOE speakers included a lack of training on how to include these participants, a focus on English-speaking populations, a lack of access to professional interpretation services, and budget constraints for language services.
In order to address these barriers and promote greater inclusivity in research, respondents recommended increased access to interpretation and translation services, guidance on budgeting for language services, and training on inclusive research methods. By making these adjustments, researchers can create more representative and impactful studies that benefit a wider range of individuals.
Dr. Ragavan and her team are now working on developing training resources to support researchers in conducting more inclusive research. They also plan to replicate this study at other institutions and explore perspectives from researchers in different fields beyond health sciences.
In conclusion, the barriers to including LOE speakers in research are significant but addressable. By taking proactive steps to overcome these challenges, researchers can improve the quality and impact of their studies. Through collaboration and investment from institutions, researchers, and funders, the scientific community can work towards a more inclusive and diverse research landscape.
