Recruiting and Assessing Recent Young Adult Latina Immigrants in Health Disparities Research

Abstract

The authors interviewed 4 researchers to identify facilitators in recruiting and assessing Latina immigrants. The 4 researchers recruited 530 recent Latina immigrants (ages 18–23 years) for a study of social and cultural determinants of health. Consensual qualitative research methods revealed that respondent-driven sampling was an effective recruitment method. Fear of deportation was a barrier. Stigma about sensitive topics (e.g., sex, drug use) did not affect participation. Findings can help counselors conduct health disparities research.

Strategies for conducting health research with Latinos during times of political incivility

“…The most commonly identified way to reduce issues related to distrust was to find ways to incorporate personal contact and creating mutual trust through relationship‐building between the participants, research staff, family and peers (Ceballos et al., ; Díaz, Denner, & Ortiz, ; García et al., ; Sheehan et al., ) and through the use of brokers, community health workers or promotores (Díaz et al., ). We argue that this will continue to be a very important aspect of making health research accessible to Latino participants.…”

“…This is especially important in the initial contact, recruitment efforts and when explaining consent and confidentiality related to sensitive topics such as healthcare insurance or legal status. Research on language is mixed with some projects arguing that speaking Spanish increases participation and retention and others arguing language was not a particular barrier noted by their participants (Sheehan et al., ). From our assessment, determining the importance of language depends on the sought‐after population and their level of comfort with either dialect.…”

“…Diaz, Denner, and Ortiz () emphasize the need for a critical approach that acknowledges “context of current and past systems of opportunities and oppression” (p.155). In times where participants may feel particularly vulnerable to discrimination, researchers should be purposeful in their efforts to create space for open dialogue and questions (George et al., ; Sheehan et al., ) and in creating an environmental setting that is appropriate for the type of participation sought. For instance, Kanamori et al.…”

“…For instance, research participation may have an adverse impact on health insurance or legal status (George et al, 2013) and could potentially lead to deportation. Research has linked this fear to health indicators (Sheehan et al, 2016). Concerns about privacy (Sheehan et al, 2016) and protection of confidentiality (García et al, 2017) also loom for some potential and current participants.…”

“…Research has linked this fear to health indicators (Sheehan et al, 2016). Concerns about privacy (Sheehan et al, 2016) and protection of confidentiality (García et al, 2017) also loom for some potential and current participants. Others report fears about being further exposed to discrimination (García et al, 2017).…”