Pathways Between Provider-Related Healthcare Anxiety,Bilingual Provider Preferences,and Cross-Border Healthcare Access: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis in United States–Mexico Border Communities

Introduction

Healthcare access is a critical determinant of public health and individual physical, mental, and social well-being. ¹ Adequate access to healthcare services is essential for managing chronic conditions, preventing diseases, and ensuring optimal health outcomes.^2,3 According to previous studies, regular engagement with healthcare services facilitates preventive measures such as screenings and vaccinations, which play a critical role in reducing the incidence and progression of chronic diseases.^4,5 In addition, individuals who have consistent access to healthcare services are more likely to receive timely interventions, which can lead to not only improvements in health status but also quality of life. ⁶ Conversely, restricted healthcare access is associated with delayed diagnoses, inadequate disease management, and poorer overall health outcomes, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. ⁷

Despite the importance of healthcare utilization, multiple barriers (i.e., structural, financial, cultural, or psychological in nature) can hinder individuals from seeking and receiving necessary care. ⁸ Structural barriers, such as transportation issues, lack of insurance, and geographic distance from healthcare facilities, can significantly limit individuals’ ability to seek and receive care.^9-11 Financial constraints, including high out-of-pocket costs and lack of health insurance, are often cited as key reasons individuals delay or forgo necessary medical care.^12,13 Cultural barriers, such as unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and mistrust of medical professionals, can further compound the challenges in accessing care.^14,15 Furthermore, among these challenges, language barriers can represent a particularly significant obstacle, ¹⁶ especially for individuals with limited English proficiency. ¹⁷ The limited English proficiency populations experience increased difficulty in navigating healthcare systems, leading to reduced patient-provider communication quality, misinterpretation of medical instructions, and a higher likelihood of medical errors. ¹⁸ These barriers can contribute to healthcare disparities, exacerbating existing inequities in service utilization and health outcomes among minority populations, including Hispanic communities in the U.S.. ¹⁹

While language barriers are often cited as a significant issue in healthcare utilization, in U.S.-Mexico border communities,^17,20 where most individuals speak Spanish, these barriers may not be as pronounced as expected. However, Spanish-speaking individuals may still experience discomfort or anxiety when interacting with non-Spanish-speaking healthcare providers in the U.S.. ²¹ Provider-related healthcare anxiety—characterized by apprehension or distress associated with healthcare interactions—can further deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care, ²² contributing to delays in treatment and worsening health conditions. ²³ Language and cultural barriers are known to increase healthcare anxiety and decrease health-seeking behaviors,^24,25 but the specific impact of these factors in U.S.-Mexico border communities remains understudied, and it is unclear how linguistic and cultural incongruences between patients and providers influence healthcare experiences in this context. In addition, the pattern of healthcare utilization in border communities might differ from conventional conceptualizations of medical tourism, which primarily involve individuals traveling abroad for medical procedures based on cost advantages. ²⁶ Instead, cross-border healthcare access among border residents is often driven by pre-existing social and familial ties, as well as a perception of an interconnected community rather than 2 distinct healthcare systems.^27,28

Despite these findings, a gap exists in the literature regarding the role of bilingual provider preferences in mediating healthcare access barriers, particularly in cross-border contexts. While much research has focused on the impact of language barriers on healthcare utilization and the advantages of bilingual providers in mitigating these barriers, there is limited empirical evidence exploring how these factors interact with provider-related healthcare anxiety and the decision to seek care across borders. While studies have separately addressed the barriers of language and cross-border healthcare utilization, the intersection of these factors has not been sufficiently explored. Specifically, there is a lack of research examining how preference for bilingual providers may mediate the relationship between provider-related healthcare anxiety and the likelihood of seeking care across the U.S.-Mexico border.

This study aims to address these gaps by examining the relationships between provider-related healthcare anxiety, bilingual provider preferences, and cross-border healthcare access in U.S.-Mexico border communities. Specifically, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the hypothesized pathways between these variables, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying healthcare utilization behaviors in this population (Figure 1).OPEN IN VIEWER

Within the framework of the study’s general purpose, the following hypotheses were formulated:

Hypothesis 1 (H1)

Provider-related healthcare anxiety is associated with bilingual provider preference.

Hypothesis 2 (H2)

Provider-related healthcare anxiety is associated with cross-border healthcare access.

Hypothesis 3 (H3)

Bilingual provider preference is associated with cross-border healthcare access.

Hypothesis 4 (H4)

There is an indirect effect of bilingual provider preference on the relationship between provider-related healthcare anxiety and cross-border healthcare access.

Methods

Results

A total of 144 participants, with an average age of 37.1 years (±14.0), were included in the study. The sample was predominantly female (71.1%), followed by males (28.2%) and a small proportion identifying as non-binary (0.7%). The majority of participants identified as Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or of Spanish origin (93.0%), while 7.0% reported other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Regarding education, 44.9% of participants had completed a 4-year degree or higher, 41.5% had some college education or a 2-year degree without completion, and 13.6% had a high school diploma or less. The average household income was approximately $82,500, with the majority falling within the $25K income increments. Employment status revealed that 75.4% of participants were employed, while 14.4% were students. The remaining participants were either retired (4.2%), unemployed (5.1%), or disabled (0.8%). Participants reported an average of one chronic condition (±1.5). A detailed breakdown of participants’ characteristics is provided in Table 1.

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Table 1.

Participants’ Characteristics

Variables	Total (n = 144)% Or M (±SD)
Age (year)	37.1 (±14.0)
Gender
Female	71.1%
Male	28.2%
Non-binary	0.7%
Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic, Latino/a/x or Spanish origin	93.0%
Other	7.0%
Education level
High school or less	13.6%
Some high school/2-year degree/No degree	41.5%
4-Year degree or more	44.9%
Marital status
Married	37.6%
Partnered	20.5%
Never married	33.3%
Divorced/Separated/Widowed	8.5%
Employment
A student	14.4%
Employed	75.4%
Disabled	0.8%
Retired	4.2%
Not employed	5.1%
Household income (∼$25K increments)	3.3 (±1.6)
Number of chronic conditions	1.0 (±1.5)

The final tested path model with standardized coefficients and significance values was shown in Figure 2.OPEN IN VIEWER

Provider-related healthcare anxiety significantly predicted bilingual provider preference (β = 0.20, SE = 0.09, z = 2.31, P = .018, 95% CI [0.03, 0.37]). Bilingual provider preference, in turn, significantly predicted cross-border healthcare access (β = 0.47, SE = 0.12, z = 4.00, P < .001, 95% CI [0.24, 0.70]). The direct path from provider-related healthcare anxiety to cross-border access was not significant (β = 0.09, SE = 0.10, z = 0.88, P = .386, 95% CI [−0.10, 0.30]). The indirect effect of provider-related healthcare anxiety on cross-border access through bilingual provider preference was significant (β = 0.10, SE = 0.05, z = 2.18, P = .040, 95% CI [0.01, 0.19]), supporting mediation. Overall model fit was RMSEA = 0.014, CFI = 0.987, and SRMR = 0.051. The complete set of direct and indirect effects was reported in Table 2.

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Table 2.

Path Analysis and Estimated Path Coefficients

Variables	β	S.E.	z	P	95% CI
Direct paths effect between exogenous variables
H1: Provider-related healthcare anxiety → bilingual provider preferences	0.20	0.09	2.31	0.018	0.03, 0.37
H2: Provider-related healthcare anxiety → cross-border healthcare access	0.09	0.10	0.88	0.386	−0.10, 0.30
H3: Bilingual provider preferences → cross-border healthcare access	0.47	0.12	4.00	<0.001	0.24, 0.70
Mediation paths effect
H4: Provider-related healthcare anxiety → bilingual provider preferences → Cross-border healthcare access	0.10	0.05	2.18	0.040	0.01, 0.19

Discussion

This study aimed to explore the relationships between provider-related healthcare anxiety, bilingual provider preferences, and cross-border healthcare access in U.S.-Mexico border communities. The key findings revealed a significant positive relationship between provider-related healthcare anxiety and bilingual provider preferences. Additionally, bilingual provider preferences were strongly associated with cross-border healthcare access, and a mediation effect was observed where bilingual provider preferences mediated the relationship between healthcare anxiety and cross-border healthcare access. However, the direct effect of provider-related healthcare anxiety on cross-border healthcare access was found to be non-significant.

The path analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between provider-related healthcare anxiety and bilingual provider preferences. This finding is consistent with a previous study indicating that individuals who experience healthcare anxiety, especially in linguistically discordant settings, may seek providers who share their language proficiency to alleviate the discomfort associated with language barriers. ²⁵ The relationship is supported by literature suggesting that language barriers often increase provider-related anxiety, especially in immigrant populations with limited English proficiency.^16,19 Our study suggested that bilingual providers can serve as a buffer, reducing the psychological burden of healthcare encounters, as individuals perceive them to be more understanding and accessible. Psychologically, provider-related healthcare anxiety stems from fears or discomfort with medical encounters, exacerbated by language barriers. Previous studies have highlighted that anxiety can stem from concerns about misunderstanding medical information, miscommunication, or negative judgments by healthcare professionals.^18,21 Spanish-speaking individuals often report difficulties in healthcare interactions due to language mismatches, ²¹ therefore, the anxiety experienced may compel individuals to prioritize bilingual providers, whose linguistic skills are perceived as essential for clear and effective communication. These findings suggest that bilingualism in healthcare providers may play a crucial role in reducing anxiety and fostering trust, which are vital for positive healthcare outcomes.

Our findings determined that there is a strong and statistically significant relationship between an individual’s preference for a bilingual medical provider and seeking healthcare services in Mexico. This finding suggests that language preference is a primary driver of decisions to cross the border for medical care and supports previous research, which demonstrates the importance of language and cultural context in the health-seeking decisions of Latinos.^31,32 Preference for a bilingual provider may indicate a preference for a shared cultural context between the patient and the provider that could make it easier for the patient to both navigate the healthcare system and understand the care instructions provided by their provider. Previous literatures have also suggested that individuals in border communities often seek care in Mexico due to both cultural and linguistic familiarity, as well as affordability.^33,34 Bilingual providers are not only trusted for their language skills but also for their cultural competence, which is seen as an essential factor in healthcare satisfaction and utilization. ²⁷ This finding also expands the understanding of health-seeking behavior among border community residents by emphasizing the importance of language as a driver for health-seeking behavior, separate from health insurance coverage. While previous studies have identified health insurance coverage as a primary motivator for border community residents to seek care in Mexico, particularly given the high prevalence of underinsurance or lack of insurance in the U.S.,^35-37 our study suggests that language preference serves as a distinct and unique driver of this behavior. Since individuals in bilingual communities, such as those along the U.S.-Mexico border, often prioritize language concordance in healthcare interactions to promote trust and enhance the patient experience, ¹⁸ our findings highlight the pivotal and independent role of bilingual provider preferences in shaping health-seeking behavior, even though insurance coverage remains an important factor in cross-border healthcare utilization. Also, beyond language-concordant communication, preferences for bilingual providers may also reflect deeper cultural and social dimensions, including perceived trustworthiness, shared cultural norms, and protection from discrimination. Patients may associate language concordance with feeling respected, understood, and less stigmatized within healthcare settings. Future studies should explicitly examine how constructs such as medical mistrust, perceived discrimination, and cultural identity intersect with bilingualism to shape healthcare-seeking behaviors in border communities.

Additionally, our analysis indicated a significant mediation effect, where bilingual provider preferences act as an intermediary between provider-related healthcare anxiety and the decision to seek care in Mexico. This suggests that individuals do not seek cross-border healthcare solely due to anxiety about healthcare interactions; instead, their preference for a bilingual provider appears to be a key factor in mitigating these anxieties. These findings build on the findings from previous research that advocate for increased linguistic and cultural awareness and sensitivity in healthcare settings and health-related communications. ³⁸ Also, this finding is consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated that a lack of cultural competency and the inability to accommodate the linguistic needs of patients can contribute to feelings of fear and reluctance in seeking medical care.^39,40 Therefore, for individuals experiencing anxiety due to language barriers or unfamiliarity with healthcare systems, the availability of bilingual providers can offer a sense of reassurance and trust, making the healthcare experience less daunting. By investing in bilingual healthcare services, institutions could not only increase patient confidence but also potentially mitigate healthcare-related anxiety. These investments may result in greater healthcare access for non-English-speaking or limited English-speaking residents of border communities, thus improving the overall utilization of healthcare services and reducing reliance on cross-border healthcare as well as addressing healthcare disparities in border regions.

These findings point to several actionable implications for practice and policy. Healthcare systems serving border communities should prioritize the recruitment, retention, and training of bilingual and bicultural providers, as well as the expansion of high-quality interpreters and patient-navigation services. Local policymakers and binational partners could invest in cross-border referral networks, shared care protocols, and workforce-development initiatives that increase the availability of language-concordant care on both sides of the border. By centering language and cultural concordance in health system planning, stakeholders may reduce provider-related healthcare anxiety and narrow disparities in access to care for Latino residents of border regions.

This study has several strengths and limitations. One of the key strengths is that our study’s findings provided valuable insights to examine the mediating role of bilingual provider preferences in the relationship between provider-related healthcare anxiety and cross-border healthcare access, offering a unique perspective on cross-border healthcare behavior. Additionally, the study advances literature by considering not only direct relationships but also the indirect paths that mediate healthcare decisions, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in border communities. This study had a great model fit, suggesting that the study’s model effectively captured the relationships between the variables and that the findings reflect real-world phenomena. However, there are limitations to consider. First, the analytic sample was relatively small (n = 144) and recruited from a single U.S.-Mexico border city (Brownsville, Texas). As such, these findings may not generalize to other border communities or Latino populations living in non-border settings. Future multi-site studies with larger and more diverse samples across multiple border regions and interior U.S. communities are needed to more fully assess the external validity of the observed pathways. Second, the cross-sectional design precludes establishing temporal ordering among provider-related healthcare anxiety, bilingual provider preferences, and cross-border healthcare access; therefore, the mediation pathways identified in this study should not be interpreted as causal. Longitudinal and experimental designs are needed to clarify whether changes in provider-related anxiety or access to language-concordant care led to subsequent changes in cross-border healthcare utilization. Third, all focal constructs were assessed with single survey items, which may not capture the full complexity or reliability of provider-related healthcare anxiety, bilingual provider preferences, or cross-border healthcare access. In addition, we did not assess several potentially important determinants of cross-border care, such as prior healthcare experiences, immigration and documentation status, or detailed insurance characteristics (e.g., underinsurance, deductibles), which may further explain variability in cross-border healthcare use. Future research should incorporate validated multi-item scales and a broader set of structural and psychosocial variables to provide richer explanatory power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the pivotal role of bilingual provider preferences in shaping healthcare-seeking behavior within U.S.-Mexico border communities. In other words, it is evident a significant mediation effect, with bilingual provider preferences serving as an intermediary between provider-related healthcare anxiety and the decision to seek care in Mexico. While health insurance coverage continues to be a key determinant of cross-border healthcare utilization, our results demonstrate that language preference stands as an independent and crucial driver of healthcare decisions. The psychological burdens associated with language barriers and cultural differences can be mitigated by bilingual providers, who significantly reduce anxiety and enhance the healthcare experience, thereby encouraging patients to seek care within their communities. Continued investment in bilingual healthcare services within border regions has the potential to decrease reliance on cross-border healthcare and address healthcare disparities. As such, healthcare institutions in these areas should prioritize bilingualism and cultural competence to improve patient care, increase satisfaction, and enhance overall health outcomes in these underserved populations.