IMPACT OF NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKING ON MEDICATION PROBLEMS AND ER VISITS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Older adults have higher risk of experiencing medication related problems (MRPs), leading to increased morbidity, healthcare utilization, and mortality. Few studies examined the relationship between non-native English speaking (NNES) MRPs their association with health service use. This study aimed explore language disparities in emergency room (ER) visits among community-dwelling older adults. We used secondary enrollment data from a community program for (N=180). conducted linear regression examine NNES MRPs, logistic ER visits. Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) bootstrapping was test indirect effect through The sample diverse 40% White, 30% Hispanic, 22% African American, 8% other races; 18% were speakers. Analysis showed associated having 2.7 more than native English-speaking participants, while race not significant, after controlling covariates. Each additional MRP 9% probability an visit. GSEM results found significant (β, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07 0.61). Although directly visits, it may inhibited ability Hispanics read important instructions, contributing elevated thus indirectly increasing potential risks Further research is needed better understand this relationship.