Increasing participation of Hispanics in public health research studies: A culturally competent primer


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4091.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Board 5

Abstract #110384

Ethel Cantu, MA, Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Brownsville, 80 Ft. Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, 956 544 8868, ecantu@utb.edu and Belinda M. Reininger, DrPH, Regional Campus at Brownsville, University of Texas- Houston School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler Drive, Houston, TX 77030.

Introduction: Hispanic health disparities remain a public health challenge. Hispanic health beliefs about disease outcomes and treatments are critical influences on Hispanic research participation. The purpose of this study was to examine and identify the cultural context of health behavior among Hispanics in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) in order to develop guidelines for researchers working with this population.

Methods: Nine focus groups (women groups = 7 and male groups =2) were conducted among Hispanic adults (>30 years old) in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Hispanic participants were recruited from urban, rural and colonia areas to discuss their attitudes and perceptions about health care both in the US and Mexico. Participants shared their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences about participating in research studies. The focus group data was transcribed and a theme analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti 5.0.

Results: Results indicate that language, particularly the vocabulary used to invite research participants and cultural beliefs about diseases and decision making are important factors in research participation. Analysis of results yielded several recommendations to address physical and psychological barriers in this region.

Conclusions: Findings emphasize the need to create effective mechanisms for communication between the local Hispanic and scientific communities. Conducting research in the Lower Rio Grande Valley requires tailored guidelines for institutions and Hispanic participants. These results highlight the importance of culturally competent methods and materials, including appropriate vocabulary in Spanish.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

1. List five barriers that limit participation of Hispanics in public health research studies.
2. Identify five strategies researchers can employ to increase participation of Hispanics in public health research studies.
3. Identify three culturally competent elements specific to research with Hispanics in LRGV.

Keywords: Cultural Competency, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Research and Methodological Innovations in Latino Health

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA