Perceptions of health among immigrant Latino adolescents from Mexico.
OBJECTIVE
This ethnographic study describes the health-related perceptions of immigrant Latino adolescents from Mexico.


METHODS
Fourteen adolescents, purposively recruited from two non-health-based community settings, participated. Each was interviewed twice and completed a visual narrative project using disposable cameras. Audiotaped transcripts and photographs were inductively analyzed.


RESULTS
Being healthy is holistically perceived by these adolescents and includes physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental factors. Pictures portrayed healthy and unhealthy influences and behaviors, including eating habits, exercise, self-care, relationships, garbage, and pollution. Personal responsibility was important in being healthy and in promoting one's health. Family was identified as an important source of health-related information.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses recognizing the holistic, comprehensive health-related perceptions of immigrant Latino adolescents can promote their health and design culturally and developmentally appropriate educational strategies and health interventions aimed at eliminating health disparities.
Garcia
Carolyn M
CM
University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, USA.
Duckett
Laura J
LJ
Saewyc
Elizabeth M
EM
Bearinger
Linda H
LH
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000208:ethnology*; D008800:Mexico; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States