229292 Illinois Latino Health Coalition: Partners in research for social action

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Aida L. Giachello, PhD , Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Mayra L. Estrella, MPH, PhD candidate , School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Jose O. Arrom, MA , Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Erika E. de la Riva, MPPA, student, Healthcare Policy Concentration , School of Continuing Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Background: The Illinois Latino Health Coalition is a partnership between University, government, and community-based health and human services organizations that united efforts to assess the health needs of Hispanic/Latino communities in the Chicago metropolitan area and rural Illinois. The ultimate goal of the coalition is implement a Latino policy agenda.

Methods: Guided by participatory action research principles, a modified version of the BRFSS survey was developed. Face-to-face interviews of persons 18 years or older were conducted by 12 participating community-based organizations based on a non-probability quota sample. The survey examined risk factors, chronic disease, access and utilization of healthcare and human services, and acculturative stress. The UIC Midwest Latino Health Research, Training & Policy Center provided technical support and training on sampling and data collection.

Results: Community partners completed 2,494 (53% females) interviews. The mean age of the participants was 38 years, with a mean of 10 years of education, 16% unemployment, and a 51% uninsurance rate. Preliminary analyses showed that 27% reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, while 13% were current smokers. Few participants reported healthy eating (7% reported eating fruit 5 or more times a day, and 5% eating vegetables 5 or more times a day); and 30% reported engaging in vigorous physical activity. The most prevalent health conditions were: 19% cholesterol, 15% high blood pressure, 11% diabetes, and 6% sleep disorders. Additionally, 19% reported avoiding seeking health services due to fear of immigration.

Conclusion: Limitations of the data collection process included limited time and funding, survey length, sample design and the training of interviewers. Capacity building increased the knowledge and skills of the research process among CBOs. Based on results, partners are currently engaged in the planning, development and implementation of a Latino policy agenda.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify health needs and access to care issues of Hispanics/Latinos in Chicago and selected areas in the state of Illinois. 2. Describe the community-based participatory action research model developed and implemented by the UIC Midwest Latino Health Research, Training & Policy Center. 3. Discuss the role of community-University partnerships in enhancing community capacity and conducting research for social action.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Latino Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I directed and conducted a significant part of this research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5168.0: Improving Latino health