261483 Rethinking Approaches to Research on Latina/o Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health: Lessons from the ELAYO Project

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 5:10 PM - 5:30 PM

Emily S. Mann, PhD , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Vanessa Mercado, MPH , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Vanessa Cardona, MPH , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Miguel Alcalá, Research Assistant , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Carmen Gomez Mandic, MPH, ScD , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Elodia Villasenor, MPH , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Cynthia A. Gomez, PhD , Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Much research in public health focuses on the sexual and reproductive practices of Latina/o youth but neglects to engage research methods that situate Latina/o youth voices at the center of inquiry. This presentation highlights findings from ELAYO: Empower Latino Youth, a multi-sited research project, to advocate for an intra-ethnic, youth-centered approach to research on Latina/o youth sexual and reproductive health.

ELAYO is a research study aimed at advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of Latina/o youth. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 120 Latina/o youth across four locations in California in 2011-2012. The interviewers, all of whom are Latina/o young adults (ages 21-30), asked about adolescent and ethnic identity; schooling; sex, sexuality, pregnancy and parenting; and goals for the future. Analysis employed a grounded theory approach using a qualitative data analysis program.

Latina/o youth in this study emphasized negative stereotypes about Latina/o sexuality and reproductive practices, highlighted contradictory expectations from family, schools, and peers about sex, pregnancy, parenting, and education, and expressed a desire for non-judgmental sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health care resources. Many participants voluntarily evaluated the research experience itself positively.

ELAYO's findings indicate the research design created a safe, trusting space for Latina/o youth to express their views, share their experiences, and feel that the researchers listened to and respected their voices. Future research on Latina/o youth could benefit from such a research design and Latina/o youth could benefit from programs that create spaces where they feel heard and respected.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Explain how an intra-ethnic, youth-centered approach to research on Latina/o youth sexual and reproductive health benefits both researchers and research participants.

Keywords: Adolescents, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a postdoctoral fellow in sexuality and health equity at the Health Equity Institute at San Francisco State University and work on the research study that informs this proposed presentation.
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.

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