Health literacy and interpersonal interactions as predictors of maternal perception of ambulatory care for low-income, Latino children

Abstract Objective This study explores whether maternal HL (MHL) and maternal perception of health care provider (HCP) interpersonal interactions predict maternal perception of quality of pediatric ambulatory care received. Methods This cross-sectional study included 124 low-income Latina mothers of children 3 months to 4 years. Maternal HL, perception of maternal-HCP interpersonal interactions, and perception of pediatric ambulatory care were measured using well-validated surveys. Results In adjusted hierarchical regression models, HCP fail to speak clearly ( β  = −.225, 95% CI −13.998, −1.960, p  = .01) and explain results ( β  = .344, 95% CI 3.480, 13.010, p  = .001) predicted perception of quality of developmental guidance received. Explaining results ( β  = .422, 95% CI 5.700, 14.089, p  =  β  = .441, 95% CI 6.657, 13.624, p β  = −.301, 95% CI −7.161, −2.263, p Conclusions Speaking with clarity, explaining results fully and working with the mother to determine a child's plan of care is most predictive of whether she feels her child is receiving high quality pediatric ambulatory care services. Practice implications Interventions that target mother and provider interaction may improve perception of care.