No abstract

This study determines elements of a social history that could assist primary care providers in identifying and treating anxiety and depression among immigrant Mexicans. Cross-sectional data were obtained through interviewer-administered survey questionnaires from immigrant Latinos in the United States fewer than 5 years (N = 150). Interviews were conducted by native Spanishspeakers in community settings. Mental health was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Mental health in this sample was poor with nearly 40% indicating levels of anxiety and depression that may impair functioning. Social marginalization was associated with higher depression symptoms in men, and separation from family stress was associated with more depressive symptoms among women. When caring for immigrant Latinos, questions about social isolation and separation from family may provide insight into stress and its contribution to clinically significant anxiety and depression. These characteristics should also be considered when offering a treatment plan for anxiety and depression. Keywords social history; immigrant mental health; gender differences; psychosocial stressors; Latino Primary care physicians caring for immigrant Latinos need to be prepared to recognize and treat mental health problems. Approximately one in three Latinos has a lifetime history of mental disorder, and 19% experienced an episode of mental disorder in the past twelve months (Vega et al., 1998;Vega, Sribney, Aguilar-Gaxiola, & Kolody, 2004). Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of mental disorder increases incrementally with additional time spent in the United States. For example, whereas 9.2% of Latinos who have been in the United States less than 13 years experienced an episode of mental illness in the past 12 months, 18.4% of Latinos in the United States longer than 13 years, and 27.4% of United States born Latinos had a 12-month history of mental disorder (Vega et al., 2004). The collective evidence suggests that the prevalence of mental disorder among recent immigrants is similar

Background-Although high blood pressure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, the proportion reaching the goal blood pressures as outlined in the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) is low. We conducted a randomized trial in primary care practices of a multifactorial intervention targeted to improve providers' adherence to hypertension guidelines.

Children in farmworker families are medically underserved. Little research has documented the healthcare of these children. This analysis uses data collected from two populations of Latino farmworker families, one located in western North Carolina and western Virginia, and the other located in eastern North Carolina, to describe and compare child healthcare utilization and mothers' satisfaction with their children's healthcare. Child, mother, household and health services characteristics are examined as causes of variation in child healthcare utilization and mothers' satisfaction for each farmworker population. Results highlight strengths in the provision of healthcare to farmworker children, including most receiving care at a consistent healthcare facility, age appropriate time since last visit, and satisfaction with the care received. Shortcomings in farmworker child healthcare include few having a consistent healthcare provider, and many not receiving visits with recommended frequency. Differences observed in child health services between the two populations include dissatisfaction with care received, perceptions that healthcare staff members are disrespectful, and difficulties with transportation. Further research is needed to determine the best means of providing care to this underserved population.

While no 1 resource adequately addresses all needs, a number of resources were identified addressing the categories of working knowledge, skill set, and reference materials. Few of the reviewed materials address the cultural competence of providers treating farmworkers. Additional education resources are needed.