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

Abstract #117470

Daniel Lopez-Cevallos, MPH¹, Megan M. Patton, EdM, CHES¹, Elizabeth Rink, LCSW, CHES², and Lena Marie Edmunds, MPH, CHES². (1) Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 264 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, 541-713-5240, lopezced@onid.orst.edu, (2) Benton County Health Department, 530 NW 27th Street, PO Box 579, Corvallis, OR 93770

Latinos will soon become the largest ethnic minority in the United States. Health disparities facing this population are substantial and include high rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Accessing quality healthcare is a concern for Latinos, with seven million lacking health insurance. Regardless of Latinos' ability to pay for health services, intrinsic characteristics in the American healthcare system present barriers for Latinos seeking healthcare. These include a general lack of culturally and linguistically competent programs and services, a lack of understanding of the role of family and social supports in healthcare decision-making, and misunderstandings of distinct acculturation levels and intra-group diversity among Latinos. An abundance of research has been conducted on certain segments of the Latino population including Latino families, middle-aged or older women, grandparents, and pregnant women. However, little research exists with regard to Latino men's health. This presentation will discuss results of a formative evaluation conducted in a rural Oregon county. The purpose of the study was to collect information on the social and environmental determinants of Latino men's health behavior, particularly related to substance abuse, chronic disease, and mental health. Data was collected via three focus groups with Latino males, two focus groups with Latina females, and twelve key informant interviews with health and social service providers in the Latino community. Results of the study will assist local community planners and policy makers with the development and implementation of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and policies for Latino families at a newly constructed Federally-Qualified Health Center.

Learning Objectives:

1)The participant (learner) will identify three barriers to quality healthcare that Latinos face. 2)The participant (learner) will increase their awareness of the social and environmental determinants of Latino men’s health behavior.
• The participant (learner) will identify two recommendations for community health program and policy developers that will address healthcare needs of Latinos.

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Community Health Planning

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.