Graphic Novela: Mexican American Families’ Use of Community Services for Older Adults

Abstract

Knowledge gaps exist about how to help Mexican American (MA) families seek assistance when their capacity to assist older family members is challenged. MA families may resist confronting unpleasant but real situations with the older adult, for example, the need to access long term support services (LTSS), because of cultural and structural barriers. The purpose was to describe stakeholders’ reactions to a culturally focused graphic novela created in partnership with a community advisory council. Qualitative description with content analysis of a focus group’s reactions to the graphic novela was used. Results included positive reactions as well as suggestions for improvement and dissemination. Graphic novelas can be an effective medium for modeling conversations about older adults’ needing additional care, and demonstrating how to identify and access available LTSS or other services. Included is a description of the researchers’ process of partnering with diverse stakeholders, which is essential for creating new solutions.

Mural Painting to Collect Sensitizing Data and Encourage Research Participation Among U.S. Latinos

“…One example is the development of a graphic novella (a Latino spin on the comic book genre of graphic novels) about a Mexican American caregiving family (Martin-Plank & Crist, 2021). This light-hearted, artistic approach addresses U.S. Latino underutilization of longterm supportive services, an issue affecting the physical, emotional, and financial health of U.S. Latinos (Crist et al, 2019).…”

Pintura Mural para Recolectar Datos Sensibilizantes y Fomentar la Participación en la Investigación Entre los Latinos de EE. UU

“…en el estudio de enfermería han demostrado promesa. Un ejemplo es el desarrollo de una novela gráfica (un giro latino en el género cómic de las novelas gráficas) sobre una familia mexicoamericana que brinda cuidados (Martin-Plank & Crist, 2021). Este enfoque artístico y alegre aborda la subutilización de los servicios de apoyo a largo plazo por parte de los Latinos en EE.…”