230127 An examination of social and environmental marginalization among Latinas in the South Carolina Midlands and Texas border communities

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM

DeAnne K. Hilfinger Messias, PhD RN, FAAN , College of Nursing and Women's and Gender Studies Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Deborah Parra-Medina, PhD , Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Daisy Morales-Campos, PhD , Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Patricia A. Sharpe, PhD, MPH , Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Alexis M. Koskan, MA , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
To further understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors affecting health and health behaviors among Latinas, specifically focusing on physical activity, we conducted a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study in South Carolina (SC) Midlands and Texas (TX) Lower Rio Grande Valley communities. Data were collected through individual interviews with community leaders (SC n=15; TX n=13) and 4 focus groups with Latina residents at both sites (SC n=33; TX n=36). Focus groups were conducted in Spanish; interviews were conducted in Spanish (n=20) and English (n=8). We coded and analyzed transcripts in the source language. We initially open-coded individual transcripts and developed a common coding scheme, then proceeded with a focused coding and interpretive analysis related to marginalization. Findings highlighted various mechanisms of marginalization operating within both communities (e.g. fear, distrust, environmental barriers). Site-specific analysis indicated social marginalization among SC Latinas stemmed from perceived discrimination and racism, undocumented immigration status, language and cultural barriers, and economic limitations. Language barriers and lack of access to personal or public transportation limited utilization of local resources. Factors related to the built and natural environment (e.g. oppressive summer heat) were identified in both settings, but were more prominent in Texas. These included barriers to physical activity created by traffic hazards, unpaved roads, stray dogs, the lack of sidewalks and outdoor lighting, and gang presence. Public health initiatives with Latinas in such settings must consider the impact of social and environmental marginalization and incorporate individual, family, community, and policy approaches to encourage full incorporation and participation.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related nursing
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify potential sources of social and environmental isolation and marginalization among Latinas. 2. Compare factors leading to social and environmental marginalization among Latinas in the South Carolina Midlands and Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley communities.

Keywords: Latinas, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a community-health nursing researcher and direct community-based research with the Latino population.
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.