A social epidemiological approach to reducing health disparities among Latina girls

Literature shows a positive association between economics, education and health; thereby suggesting higher education levels increase the likelihood of greater wages and improved health. Disparities in health, education and economics are prevalent among Latinas. Using a social epidemiological lens, we developed an intervention for rural Latina girls with the intent of influencing intermediate variables, which have been linked to achieving higher education. The method included three phases. Phase I was from January through May 2005. A mixed method strategy was applied using quantitative and qualitative measures. Thirty, sixth grade and high school age girls with mean age 13.4 + 2.2 completed surveys and focus groups. Mothers of sixth grade girls completed surveys only. Domains measured were cultural identity and pride, gender roles, family, depressive symptoms and coping strategies. The findings of the first phase led to the development of Phase II, the pilot intervention (University Camp), completed in June 2005 over three days. Pretest showed a mean age of 11.8 + .56 among 22 girls. Paired t-tests analyzed data collected at baseline and follow-up. Findings from Phase II led to the expansion of the intervention to an after-school series of activities using the Go Grrrls curriculum followed by the University Camp. This presentation will describe a study progression leading to an intervention aimed at the reduction of health disparities among Latinas.