The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42728

Diane Susan Lowry, MPH, MSW, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Department of Health Services, Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195, 206-762-5745, dsl99@u.washington.edu

Immigrant and refugee youth acculturate to the United States in a different manner and rate than their adult counterparts. Youth tend to have more frequent contact with the English language and U.S. culture through participation in school and youth programs. Consequently, communication and mutual understanding are central issues between adults and youth in many immigrant and refugee families and communities. The stress of living in a low-income environment as well as social exclusion can compound relationship difficulties and effect physical and mental health. 178 residents of three public housing sites participated in focus groups as part of a community based program evaluation in Seattle, Washington. 80% of the youth and 90% of the adult participants were immigrants or refugees from Southeast Asian or East African countries. Participants were asked about their involvement in community events, community building, and community relationships. Patterns emerged regarding adult-youth interactions (such as the importance of mutual respect) and participants offered recommendations for service providers and community leaders.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this session, the learner will be able to

• List 3 environmental influences on the health of immigrant and refugees.
• Describe 3 themes in immigrant and refugee adult-youth relationships in Seattle public housing.
• Apply 3 recommendations to practice with similar immigrant and refugee groups.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.