ABSTRACT
Introduction: Representing the USA's largest ethnic/racial group, Hispanic/Latinx (HL) experience health challenges of proportional magnitude. This study investigates the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among HL adults and trust in their child's pediatrician. Methods: HL parents of children who receive medical care at one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the United States completed a survey examining associations between physician trust, vaccine hesitancy, and demographics. Data were subjected to ANOVA via SAS9 version 9.0 (Cary, NC) and SPSS version 27 (Chicago, IL) software. Results: With a total of 500 surveys completed (51% response rate; 81% completion rate), the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy amounted to 15.4% (n = 77). Parents with university-level education displayed higher levels of trust and perceptions in favor of routine vaccination practices (p < .01). When medical visits were conducted in Spanish, parents exhibited lower levels of trust and were more vaccine-hesitant (p < .01). Conclusions: Vaccine literacy must be prioritized in early education to reach parents who may not achieve college degrees. Ensuring language concordance within patient-physician dyads may maximize the potential for vaccine uptake and physician trust.
ABSTRACT
Dyspnea in cancer patients can lead to significant deleterious effects. There are multiple conditions that can cause dyspnea. It is important to determine which of these causes are potentially reversible and treatable, so that they can be promptly addressed. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches should be used to treat this difficult condition. As patients advance in their illness, palliative treatments can be considered, such as low-dose opioids, oxygen therapy, and treatments directed at anxiety relief. Physicians should also discuss goals of care with their patients.
