Latinos' perspectives and experiences with intimate partner violence.

This qualitative study, utilizing focus group interviews with community members and in-depth interviews with victims and perpetrators, explored Latinos' beliefs and perceptions of IPV in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as a basis for developing culturally appropriate intimate partner violence (IPV) services for this population. The findings from these interviews suggest that this community recognizes IPV as a problem and is aware of the multiple dimensions, potential causes, and negative consequences of IPV. In general, participants perceived family and neighbors as preferring to not get involved in situations of IPV. However, family was also expected to, and often did, provide tangible support to victims. Directions for developing prevention programs for this population and future research are suggested.

Components of successful HIV/AIDS case management in Alaska Native villages.

Case management is a valuable support service for HIV/AIDS patients, but little is known about the elements of case management that contribute to success for Alaska Natives living in remote rural villages. This study used qualitative data from 18 key informants (social services/health workers, family members, and tribal leaders) to identify the elements of successful case management. Two major categories dominated the analysis. First, the case management organization possessed attributes, such as location, coordination, and support for professionals, that contributed to a positive case management experience. Second, the case manager had both knowledge/professional skills and values with personal capabilities that contributed to positive experiences. These components of successful case management can be integrated into existing and future case management programs for Alaska Natives to improve client level outcomes.

Health risk-factors for gay American Indian and Alaska Native adolescent males.

Having multiple identities as a homosexual American Indian or Alaska Native adolescent male increases the likelihood for poorer health and diminished well-being. This study assessed the differences in self-perceived health status between gay adolescent males and their heterosexual counterparts. A national nonrepresentative sample of 5,602 Indian and Native adolescent males was surveyed about issues of sexual behavior, physical and sexual abuse, mental health status, substance use, attitudes about school, participation in violence, and access to health care. Results indicate that there were no real differences between gay and heterosexual male respondents for substance use or attitudes about school. Statistically significant differences were found, however, in areas of mental health, as well as physical and sexual abuse. Gay adolescents were twice as likely to have thought of or attempted suicide. Gay adolescents were twice as likely to have been physically abused and nearly six times more likely to have been sexually abused. Gay American Indian or Alaska Native adolescent males constitute a very vulnerable population and are clearly in need of targeted health and social services. Unfortunately, the benefits seen by adults of the "two-spirited" gay and lesbian American Indian movement have not been accessible to Indian and Native adolescents.