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Use of Fotonovelas to Strengthen the Home Environment of Latino Children

Mary Lou De Leon Siantz, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Dean of Research School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University, 3700 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, DC 20007, 202 687-3479, mls26@georgetown.edu and Nora Coronado, MSW, PhD(c), School of Social Welfare, University of Washington, 126 nw 101st st, seattle, WA 98177.

This study examined the use of foto-novelas (picture stories) to illustrate concepts of mental health and parenting with Latino parents. Novelas, or stories are commonly enjoyed by most Latinos in picture format. Through the use of such picture stories, limited English and limited literacy are not an issue. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one utilized participatory action research principles. This phase focused on learning about parental understanding of mental health and developmental concepts and the development of culturally competent stories to communicate the ideas. Phase two evaluated the extent to which the picture books communicated the mental health and developmental concepts. Phase three developed a culturally sensitive preventive intervention using these picture books. Focus groups were conducted with Hispanic immigrant parents to evaluate the intervention. A convenience sample of urban Latino parents participated. Focus group outcomes included: 1) use of Latino family experiences as building blocks for communicating concepts, 2) the importance of a family orientation in mental health interventions with Latino parents and 3) the need to address the mental health of both parents in order to support their infant’s mental health and development.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Latinos

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.

Poster Session: Cross-cutting Intervention Issues

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA