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 |