Culturally Competent Qualitative Research With Latino Immigrants

Abstract

This article provides recommendations for conducting culturally competent qualitative research with Latino immigrants, a historically exploited group that represents more than half of all U.S. immigrants and is continuously growing. Limited research exists on Latino immigrants despite their large presence in the United States. The authors draw upon their qualitative research experiences to help researchers develop culturally competent awareness, knowledge, and skills in studying Latino immigrants. Recommendations are grounded by integrating Latino cultural values in the research process. Issues related to developing a research team, recruiting participants, using incentives, informed consent procedures, and language issues are addressed. Suggestions for developing interview protocols and conducting culturally competent in-person interviews are provided.

Functional Impairment in Latino Children with ADHD: Implications for Culturally Appropriate Conceptualization and Measurement

“…When recruiting participants from the Latino population, culturally modified recruitment techniques are recommended to access members of the community who are typically unreached or excluded from clinical research (Haack et al 2011), such as Spanishspeaking families from low socioeconomic status and acculturation levels. These families traditionally have been excluded from research because of practical issues (e.g., struggles with time, money, childcare, and transportation) that prevent the ability to participate, as well as cultural issues (e.g., lack of language/ethnic matching with researchers, immigration/documentation issues, and distrust of academic institutions and the mental health field) that prevent the motivation to participate (Flores et al 2002;Haack et al 2011;NIH 2002;Ojeda et al 2010). Strategies to overcome practical obstacles include conducting research at a trusted location in the community with transportation, childcare, and compensation provided.…”

“…Strategies to overcome practical obstacles include conducting research at a trusted location in the community with transportation, childcare, and compensation provided. Strategies to overcome cultural barriers include employing a bilingual and bicultural staff, reducing formal or intimidating language in materials, and incorporating values such as ''respeto'' and ''personalismo'' by ensuring research assistants dress casually, chat warmly and openly with participants, and always exhibit a demeanor of mutual respect and understanding (Haack et al 2011;NIH 2002;Ojeda et al 2010). Finally, many of the aspects of CBPR (as described above) serve as combatants to cultural obstacles to recruitment of participant, such research assistants being seen as familiar faces from their immersion in community activities and organizations, developing a relationship with and obtaining endorsement from trusted leaders in the community, and finally providing a promise that the current research study will directly aid members of the community.…”

Ethical considerations for involving Latina adolescents in mental health research

“…In the Latino/a culture, individuals who are in positions of power are often respected. If a researcher or medical professional asks an adolescent to participate in research, they and their parents may agree to enrollment in the study out of respect to the researcher even if they do not want to participate (Ojeda, Flores, Meza, & Morales, 2011). …”

“…For Latina adolescents, the research team should include bilingual, Latina women if possible. Other non-Latino/a members of the research team should become well versed about Latino/a cultural values, norms, and traditions, as well as issues related to immigration (Ojeda et al, 2011). A diverse and informed research team, therefore, will reduce the risk of these Latina adolescents feeling devalued during the research process.…”

Religiosity and Migration Aspirations among Mexican Youth

“…It is often difficult to conceptually distinguish spirituality from internal religiosity. Spirituality is often identified in the Latino-specific literature as a personal relationship with the divine, and the belief that God or some other higher power has the ability to help the individual and the family to get through stressful situations (Ojeda et al 2011). It does not necessarily require a church affiliation.…”