Keywords
Medical interpreters; KAP; Medical students; LEP patients; Cross-cultural healthcare
Abstract
Professional medical interpreters interpret conversations between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and physicians. Given the important role professional medical interpreters play for LEP patients, current and future healthcare professionals would benefit from understanding their services and how to utilize them effectively. Research has explored how residents and physicians regard medical interpreters, but few studies have examined medical students' knowledge and perceptions about them. This cross-sectional study investigated medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding professional medical interpreters. The sample was comprised of Florida medical students. Participants completed a one-time, quantitative online survey collecting information regarding their medical training, demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A sample of N = 54 participants was obtained by snowball sampling. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to determine average scale scores. Students displayed good knowledge (M = 5.93, SD = 1.03), good attitudes (M = 21.57, SD = 2.12), and moderate practices (M = 17.59, SD = 3.13). Normality assumptions were tested and not met; therefore, nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U) were used to examine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices across four variables: campus environment, instruction experience, gender identity, and ethnicity. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices based on urbanicity, instruction experience, gender, and ethnicity. Pearson correlation r revealed a weak, positive correlation between the number of languages students speak and their attitudes scores, r(52) = .33, p = .014. This study’s exploration of this area provides a snapshot of the medical student population and their readiness for cross-cultural healthcare, particularly in using professional medical interpreters. Future research can further establish the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students. Practical applications of this research include filling gaps between knowledge/attitudes and practices through curriculum and training initiatives at schools, thereby preparing students to deliver culturally competent care in the future.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Beltran, Susanny
College
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Department
School of Social Work
Thesis Discipline
Social Work
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Okonkwo, Ezinne, "An Assessment of U.S. Medical Students’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Using Professional Medical Interpreters" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 304.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/304
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