In the realm of health research, the inclusion of participants who communicate in languages other than English (LOE) poses significant challenges. A recent study highlights these barriers and emphasizes the impact of non-inclusion on the inclusivity of research findings. The work conducted by Maya Ragavan, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., and her team at the University of Pittsburgh underscores the critical need for systematic changes to promote equitable research practices.

Understanding the Barriers

The research indicates that individuals who speak LOE comprise approximately 8.2% of the United States population. However, they often encounter numerous health-related disparities, including reduced access to healthcare services and poorer health outcomes. Despite these challenges, previous findings noted that only 9% of pediatric studies engaged non-English-speaking families.

To unravel the reasons behind such exclusions, researchers Dr. Ragavan and first author Henry Hoffman surveyed primary investigators and study coordinators at their institution. Of the 339 respondents, 50% acknowledged having worked with LOE speakers in the past five years, yet a concerning 42% did not actively seek to include them.

Key Findings from the Study

The study identified several barriers that restrict the inclusion of LOE speakers:

  • Lack of Training: Many researchers reported not having the necessary training to effectively include LOE speakers in their studies.
  • Limited Team Diversity: Studies often comprised only English-speaking team members, which hindered proactive inclusion efforts.
  • Challenges with Interpretation Services: Securing reliable interpretation and translation services was noted as cumbersome, affecting scheduling and planning.
  • Budget Constraints: Many researchers failed to allocate funds for language services within grant proposals, limiting their capacity to engage non-English-speaking participants.

According to Hoffman, “The exclusion of people who use LOE or inclusion that is reactive rather than proactive suggests that language often isn't prioritized when researchers plan their studies.” This statement reflects a troubling reality where language barriers ultimately compromise the relevance and applicability of research findings to the broader population.

Recommendations for Improvement

In light of the barriers identified, the study participants offered several recommendations aimed at enhancing the inclusion of LOE speakers:

  1. Increasing access to interpretation and translation services.
  2. Providing budgeting guidance concerning language services in grant applications.
  3. Offering methods training on how to integrate LOE speakers into research.
  4. Facilitating networking opportunities for researchers to share best practices.

The Path to Transformational Change

Dr. Ragavan emphasizes that change is achievable. “The barriers to including LOE speakers are highly addressable,” she asserts. “For transformational change, there needs to be multi-level investment from institutions, researchers, and funders as well as work to strengthen community partnerships.”

Furthermore, the research team is actively working to develop and evaluate training resources that will aid researchers in conducting more inclusive studies. They also plan to extend their efforts by replicating similar studies at other institutions and platforms beyond the health sciences domain.

Conclusion

Addressing the barriers to including non-English speakers in health research is essential for advancing equitable science. By acknowledging and dismantling these barriers, researchers can ensure that the findings are genuinely representative of diverse communities. It is imperative that the research landscape evolves to incorporate the voices of all individuals, regardless of the languages they speak, thus fostering a deeper understanding of health and improving outcomes for everyone.

References

[1] Ragavan, M., et al. “Researcher Perceptions of Inclusion of Study Participants Who Use Languages Other Than English,” JAMA Network Open (2025).

[2] Hoffman, H., et al. “Barriers to Including Non-English Speakers in Research,” retrieved March 31, 2025, from Medical Xpress.