The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45428

Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital/Center for Child & Adolescent Health Policy, Harvard University, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, 617-724-4098, LFortuna@partners.org

Several studies have demonstrated that Latino children and adolescents are at a high risk for mental health problems but are less likely to receive mental health services. However, mental health problems and symptom identification may also vary substantially by Latino subgroup. This presentation will report findings from a study designed to examine variation by ethnicity in the identification of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) among a national sample of Mexican-origin ( n=570) , Mexican American ( n-=1,361) Cuban ( n=118) and Puerto Rican (n=342) children ages 2-17 , using the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. The discussion will include how specific sociocultural and language barriers may exist regarding ADD identification for children of Mexican Latino subgroups and potential clinical and public health implications.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Recognize how the identification of ADD varies by Latino subgroup ( Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican).
• 2. Identify cultural and socioeconomic factors that are associated with lower rates of identification of ADD in Latino children.
• 3. Discuss ways that identification of ADD in Latino children may be improved.

Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Child/Adolescent Mental Health

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.