Addressing youth violence in the Hmong, Mien, and Lao populations using community-based participatory research

In 2005, the Sacramento area Hmong, Mien, and Lao communities had experienced yet another death of a young teen, age 13, as a result of gang violence. These three communities had experienced 22 serious injuries or deaths related to youth/gang violence over the last 3 years (2004-2007) that included a fatal shooting by a 16 year-old youth of a law enforcement officer. These incidents prompted the three communities to unite for the first time in their histories to find common community-driven solutions to promote healthy youth outcomes and reduce youth violence. The issue of youth violence is a primary health concern within these three communities. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach the PI collected over 100 in-depth youth surveys that describe the societal and family issues facing Southeast Asian youth today. The survey included issues such as parent-teen relationships, health status, acculturation, experience with alcohol and other drugs, neighborhood safety, attitude toward school and bullying, and educational goals. Survey collection using appropriate research protocols was completed by young adults in the Southeast Asian community. The survey results will be presented along with a description of how application of community-based participatory research led to further youth self-advocacy, elder council involvement, and successful community advocacy.