Community-engaged asset mapping with Latinx immigrant families of youth with disabilities.

Asset mapping is a participatory methodology that engages community members in identifying services and settings that promote health and well-being. This study aimed to identify community assets from the perspective of Latinx immigrant families with youth with disabilities. Latinx immigrant families (n = 21) participated in the mapping, followed by a reflection session and an open forum (n = 30). The findings revealed that families identified faith-based organizations and social service agencies as some of the main assets in their communities, while they identified mental health services as the most needed. The results also showed that participants preferred to utilize services and resources that are within walking distance of their homes, provide safe spaces, treat them well, offer bilingual services, do not require documentation, and are affordable. This study has important implications for community scholars and practitioners interested in implementing asset-based methodologies that focus on participants as experts of their own realities and agents of change and that promote advocacy and empowerment actions.

Evaluation of Public Health Messages Promoting Early Detection of Dementia Among Adult Latinos With a Living Older Adult Parental Figure.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the resonance of public health messages promoting early detection of dementia in adult Latinos with a living older adult loved one. METHOD: We conducted a mixed-methods study with focus groups and surveys to evaluate eight messages encouraging Latino adults to accompany their older loved one for cognitive assessment. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded, and thematic analysis was conducted. We used descriptive statistics for quantitative data. RESULTS: Participants suggested that messages need to be translated into Spanish and images need to be more natural, present balance between positive and serious facial expressions, show more ethnic/racial diversity, and show family members other than the parents. Five major sociocultural themes affected how the messages were received: stigma, gender roles, the importance of the mother figure, guilt, and family togetherness. CONCLUSION: Public health messages targeting cultural values are needed to effectively encourage early dementia detection in Latinos. Findings can be used to adapt culturally appropriate public health messages encouraging early dementia detection in Latinos.

Community-based participatory research to promote healthy lifestyles among Latino immigrant families with youth with disabilities.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an optimal approach that brings together community stakeholders, researchers and practitioners in an effort to understand and address social issues and health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations. Latino immigrant families in the United States with youth and young families with disabilities have experienced a number of barriers in gaining positive health outcomes. These families face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, placing them at high risk for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. The purpose of this study was to develop a healthy lifestyles intervention in collaboration with Latino immigrant families with youth and young adults with disabilities using a CBPR approach, and to examine the impact of the intervention from participants' perspectives. METHODS: Grounded in the principles of CBPR, we developed a partnership with community stakeholders to create a healthy lifestyles intervention aimed at meeting the needs of Latino families in the United States. During and following implementation of the intervention, we conducted focus groups with 12 intervention participants to examine the impact of the intervention. RESULTS: Participants identified the intervention program as meeting a need in the community and reported specific positive aspects related to health behaviors, social learning, inclusion, community participation, and peer advocacy. DISCUSSION: CBPR healthy lifestyle interventions are relevant to the needs of Latino immigrant families with youth and young adults with disabilities. Health professionals should involve community residents in the design of healthy lifestyles programming to ensure strategies for change are relevant and relatable.