Definitions of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD): A Literature Review of Epidemiological Research in Australia

Abstract

Objective: To identify how Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities are defined in epidemiological research in Australia and provide a definition of CALD status that aids the consistency and interpretability of epidemiological studies. Methods: Peer-reviewed literature from January 2015 to May 2020 was searched via four databases (Ovid Medline combined with PubMed, Embase, Emcare, and CINAHL) to identify quantitative studies of CALD people in Australia. Results: A total of 108 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Country of birth was the most commonly used CALD definition (n = 33, 30.6%), with combinations of two or more components also frequently used (n = 31, 28.7%). No studies used all the components suggested as core to defining CALD status. including country of birth, languages other than English spoken at home, English proficiency, and indigenous status. Conclusions: There was considerable inconsistency in how CALD status was defined. The review suggests that CALD status would best be defined as people born in non-English speaking countries, and/or who do not speak English at home. Additionally, indigenous peoples should be considered separately. This recommended definition will support the better identification of potential health disparity and needs in CALD and indigenous communities.

Maternal Depression and Early Parenting: A Comparison Between Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Australian born Mothers

“…Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. Cultural and linguistic diversity (CaLD) was defined using the recommended multiple-indicator approach 11 : being born overseas and speaking a primary language other than English. We used only two of the four core items required to assess CaLD status, given English proficiency is an inclusion criterion for recruitment and of the four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, all reported English as their primary language.…”

The COVID-19 risk perceptions, health precautions, and emergency preparedness in older CALD adults in South Australia: A cross-sectional study

“…[ 9 , 10 ] Given that the term CALD lacks a precise definition, following Pham et al (2021) in this paper we use it to mean those people who were born in non-English speaking countries and/or those who do not speak English at home. [ 11 ] They are among the most disadvantaged people in Australian society, and continue to experience disadvantages including adverse socioeconomic conditions, less educational qualifications, and poorer health. [ 12 ].…”

COVID-19 risk perceptions and precautions among the elderly: A study of CALD adults in South Australia

“…1 Older Australians aged 65 years and above account for 15% of the country’s total population, of which three in 10 were born overseas. 2 The relationships between older Australian’s cultural backgrounds, health and quarantine protocols, as well as psychosocial and emotional wellbeing during the pandemic are unclear across the country, including in South Australia.…”