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The purposes of the study were to determine the health literacy levels of Latinos in the Greater Cincinnati Area in both English and Spanish by utilizing two standardized quantitative measures of health literacy, and to undertake an assessment of the relationship between language, health literacy and acculturation in this community. Given a rapid increase in the Latino immigrant population in the Midwest, data on health literacy and acculturation were needed. A convenience sample of 214 Latinos was recruited in the Greater Cincinnati Area. Semi-structured interviews in English or Spanish included three validated scales: one for linguistic proficiency, and two for health literacy levels. Results showed that most participants chose to be surveyed in Spanish and that 2/3 were married or living together, well-educated and under the age of 40 years. Almost half had more than high school education and half reported annual income under $16,000. 60% had lived in the USA 10 years or less. Almost half were born in Mexico and about a quarter in Central America. Most participants had low acculturation to US culture and low health literacy and English reading ability. Lower acculturation was associated with lower health literacy. Recommendations for Health Education practice are presented.

The purpose of this study was to determine the health information sources used by Latinos in southwest Ohio, identify individual Latino residents' functional health literacy levels, and identify any access barriers to those sources of health information. Results show almost two-thirds had low acculturation levels to US culture. Overall, the major source of health information is a medical setting, followed by media technology (which included the Internet). However, when it comes to being ill, the primary source becomes a media choice, then medical. The barriers to accessing health information included language and lack of confidence/knowledge. Participants reported moderate satisfaction with the sources of health information available, and had an 'adequate' health literacy level in Spanish. This study was important because it filled an existing information gap for the Latino community, a racial ethnic minority population in the southwest Ohio area. With the results of this study, health educators and other health care practitioners might be better able to understand the health care needs of the Latino community and could essentially create improved and culturally competent health communications.