The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74596

Zahid Rathore, BS, Stephanie L. Martin, MPH, and Alison A. Dingwall, MPH. Institute for Mental Health Initiatives, The George Washington University, School of Public Health & Health Services, 2175 K Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037, 202-467-2287, imhzxr@gwumc.edu

Resilience lies in the innate strengths in individuals, families, communities, and systems. The purpose of this Center for Mental Health Services-funded study, conducted by the Institute for Mental Health Initiatives (IMHI) of The George Washington University- School of Public Health and Health Services, was to expand the resilience knowledge base regarding subgroups of the Hispanic American population, thereby increasing the cultural competence of future interventions and outreach. The project’s specific objective was to identify factors that foster resilience in adolescents, and conversely, that constitute barriers to resilience in adolescents. To incorporate various subgroups of the Hispanic American population, a series of twelve focus groups were conducted in four U.S. cities and targeted three populations: Latino youth, Latino parents, and service providers. A number of factors that foster resilience and that constitute barriers were identified. Results suggest that there is a need for culturally relevant mental health interventions. Those interventions that recognize innate resilience in Latino communities will overcome barriers to successful delivery of services.

The proposed poster represents the findings of the CMHS study. In recent months, IMHI has been designing culturally appropriate pamphlets and games that incorporate the study findings. Materials are being reviewed by the target populations.

Learning Objectives:

• After viewing the poster and materials provided during the poster session, participants will:
• - Acknowledge and discuss mental health as a public health issue.
• - Recognize and articulate the importance of a cultural perspective when developing community interventions.
• - Identify 5 factors that foster resilience in Latino adolescents.
• - Identify and list 5 factors that constitute barriers to resilience in Latino adolescents.

Keywords: Mental Health, Minority Health

Related Web page: www.imhi.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Institute for Mental Health Initiatives School of Public Health and Health Services The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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.