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Implementation of a Stress Intervention with Latino Immigrants in a Non-traditional Migration City

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Abstract

Stress negatively impacts health outcomes across all racial and ethnic groups, but the health disparities experienced by Latino immigrants in nontraditional migration cities are exacerbated by undeveloped infrastructure and weak social support networks. Immigrants in new migration cities can be difficult to engage in health interventions and are therefore underrepresented in the very research where their inclusion is most crucial. To effectively engage Latino immigrants, a team of academic and community researchers collaborated on a community-based participatory research project to design and implement a stress and coping intervention. Top stressors reported were family, children, and work, but health was most commonly identified as the primary stressor. Participants overwhelmingly chose physical activity goals for stress reduction. Pre- to post- intervention results revealed significant improvements in social support and stress management. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of a peer-led, community-partnered approach to implementing a stress intervention with Latino immigrants in a nontraditional migration city.

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Acknowledgements

This project was funded by a grant from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 2120376, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0376, USA

    Farrah Jacquez & Gabriela Suarez-Cano

  2. Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Lisa M. Vaughn

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  1. Farrah Jacquez
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Correspondence to Farrah Jacquez.

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Jacquez, F., Vaughn, L.M. & Suarez-Cano, G. Implementation of a Stress Intervention with Latino Immigrants in a Non-traditional Migration City. J Immigrant Minority Health 21, 372–382 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0732-7

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