Language matters for health
Words for equity cannot disappear
Language is undeniably crucial for health. It impacts effective communication, access to information, quality of care, patient safety, health-seeking practices, cultural congruency, and health literacy.
Research shows that language significantly impacts health. However, the current federal administration in the United States has recently deemed certain words essential for public health services and research inappropriate. According to The New York Times, federal agencies have identified hundreds of terms to limit or avoid. Among these terms are “health disparities,” “health inequities," “racism,” and "transgender"—most of which relate to health equity or the goal of achieving health for everyone.
The research community is still figuring out how consequential health research can be conducted if we do not use language that accurately captures what we are meant to communicate. Some scholars have been encouraged not to use this language in their applications for federal funding or in new publications. It is dangerous that fundamental words and language that describe the people we study, the goals of our research, or the challenges to public health and health outcomes are considered inappropriate.
We face a reality in which we commit to doing what is needed for health equity or respond to changes that deliberately attempt to demoralize, distract, and disrupt research and health services. Research and pursuing health should not be dominated by forces opposing health equity. Scientific knowledge has helped us to evolve, and we should respond to adverse circumstances with our best research. There are risks associated with confronting political powers and ideologies, but that has been a constant goal for those in the social sciences.
Personal, professional, and institutional circumstances may determine how we approach this challenge. Ultimately, whatever works for the public’s well-being should prevail. I insist on working from hope and doing what is best. Many of us might experience challenges obtaining research funding, but securing funding for research has always been difficult. This time, the reasons for the hardship are different. Let's continue doing the research we are meant to do and use the language that facilitates obtaining the funding and executing it consistently with ethical standards.
We live in a time when solidarity, empathy, and respect may be the core vocabulary for health.
More about the importance of language for health
Language is a fundamental tool in public health and healthcare. Language barriers can interfere with the quality of health services people receive. People who don't speak the dominant language may miss out on vital health information, affecting their ability to make informed decisions about their health. When public health authorities or healthcare providers don’t meet the communication and language needs of the populations they serve, some people may struggle to understand their health options and treatment, leading to misunderstandings and errors. Miscommunication due to language differences can compromise safety. Incorrect interpretation of symptoms, medication instructions, or follow-up care can have serious consequences. Language difficulties can negatively impact health-seeking behaviors. People may delay or avoid seeking care if they anticipate communication problems.
Language is closely tied to culture. Providing healthcare in a patient's native language demonstrates respect for their culture and can build trust, leading to better health outcomes. Language skills are essential for health literacy, which is understanding and using health information to make informed decisions. People with limited language proficiency may have difficulty understanding health information, even if it is presented in a simplified manner.