Journal Of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity In Social Work

Labash, Amanda K.; Swartz, James A.

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2018.1449691pmid: N/A

Latina immigrants are an underserved population with complex medical and mental health needs. This population has high rates of trauma exposure, compounding their health issues. However, little is known about the characteristics of trauma-exposed Latina immigrants who seek health care services. This study analyzes the health records of Latina women (N = 153), most of whom were immigrants, receiving medical and mental health care services at an urban primary care clinic. These women had high rates of trauma exposure and were both medically and psychiatrically complex, with the majority undiagnosed and having no prior trauma-related treatment. Practice implications are discussed.

Mogro-Wilson, Cristina

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2018.1539427pmid: N/A

Gonzalez, John M.; Applewhite, Steven; Hansen, Marissa C.; Longoria, Denise; Silva, Elizabeth I.

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2019.1628678pmid: N/A

The study explores motivations for mental health service use by older Mexican-American women experiencing psychological distress. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with older Mexican-American women receiving mental health services were conducted to examine treatment experiences and sociocultural and provider dynamics. Relevant themes emphasized relational constructs with providers, peers, and family; perceived effectiveness of solution-driven group-based care; and integration of sociocultural norms into treatment. Disentangling mental health experiences through cultural tailoring services helps address unique needs in late life. Study findings highlight the relevance of personal, cultural, and clinical preferences for care in treatment engagement and adherence.

Mancini, Michael A.; Farina, Anne S.J.

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2019.1702132pmid: N/A

Latinx adults in the U.S. encounter barriers to quality behavioral healthcare despite high rates of trauma exposure and co-morbid mental health issues in clinical samples. Engaging Latinx adults in treatment requires understanding the clinical issues facing this population. This study analyzed clinical records from 120 Latinx adults referred for mental health assessment during a primary care visit. Nearly two-thirds met criteria for partial- or full-PTSD, which was significantly associated with higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety. Integrating behavioral health services within primary care settings serving Latinx adults to increase access to trauma-informed care for this population is discussed.

Huang, Hui; Cano, MiguelÁngel; Trepka, Mary Jo; Sheehan, Diana M.; Sanchez, Mariana; Rojas, Patria; De La Rosa, Mario

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2019.1703127pmid: 38094978

The present study investigated neighborhood effects on substance use, mental and medical health, and health-care access. We used data collected from a sample of adult Latinas of Caribbean and South and Central American descent in 2011. The findings indicate that for adult Latinas, concentrated disadvantage in neighborhoods is associated with increased risk of alcohol misuse and inability to obtain prescription drugs due to lack of money, while Hispanic/immigrant concentration in neighborhoods is associated with fewer mental disorder symptoms. Individual age, criminal justice involvement, religious involvement, intimate partner violence, and employment are also associated with one or more health-related outcomes. We provided practice implications for macro and micro social work practice. Future research is needed to examine the mechanism underlying the negative association between neighborhood Hispanic/immigrant concentration and mental disorder symptoms.

O’Gara, Jaimie L.; Calzada, Esther J.

doi: 10.1080/15313204.2020.1730287pmid: 34531705

This study examined whether various types of father-figure presence in Mexican (n = 414)- and Dominican- American (n = 336) households measured at baseline predicted child mental health functioning one year later. Results of linear regression analyses showed that the impact of household structure on child functioning was significant and differed by ethnicity. For Mexican-American children, residing with a step-father or other adult male predicted increased externalizing problems compared to children residing their biological father. For Dominican-American children, residing with no father figure predicted increased externalizing problems compared to children residing with a biological father. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.