Table 2 Questions concerning Arabic-speaking individuals’ attitudes to the use of interpreters as a communication aid in healthcare
Variable | N | Agreed N (%) | Disagree N (%) | Mean ± Sd. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
It is important that the interpreter helps you to find the way within health care to different consultations because it is difficult for me to read signs in English | 53 | 51 (96%) | 1 (2%) | 3.9 ± 0.4 |
The interpreter helps me only with translation because I do not speak Swedish | 53 | 50 (94%) | 3 (6%) | 3.8 ± 0.6 |
While I talk through an interpreter it is important to express myself clearly so the interpreter will be able to support me | 52 | 48 (91%) | 4 (8%) | 3.7 ± 0.7 |
A nurse/physician always books an interpreter in advance when I need it | 52 | 47 (87%) | 5 (10%) | 3.5 ± 0.7 |
It is difficult to guarantee that what I have said during the interpretation is made in confidence and that the interpreter will not spread it to others | 53 | 45 (85%) | 8 (15%) | 3.3 ± 0.8 |
I prefer an interpreter who helps me with transport both before and after consultations in healthcare | 52 | 36 (67%) | 16 (15%) | 3.0 ± 1.1 |
I always get a feeling of uncertainty while I talk through an interpreter because I do not know whether what I say is correctly translated or not | 53 | 32 (60%) | 21 (40%) | 2.6 ± 1.1 |
I find that talking through an interpreter reduces intimacy between healthcare staff and me | 51 | 30 (57%) | 21 (40%) | 1.9 ± 1.0 |
Talking through an interpreter makes me feel handicapped as I cannot speak Swedish | 53 | 23 (43%) | 30 (57%) | 2.3 ± 1.2 |
I have not been in any situations in healthcare when booked interpreters have not turned up | 51 | 23 (43%) | 28 (53%) | 2.4 ± 1.2 |
I always get a feeling of uncertainty while I talk through an interpreter because I do not know whether what I say is correctly translated or not | 53 | 15 (28%) | 38 (72%) | 1.9 ± 1.0 |
The interpreter should not interpret literally and objectively | 52 | 12 (25%) | 40 (75%) | 1.7 ± 1.2 |