title: Health perceptions of Latinos with intellectual disabilities: the results of a qualitative pilot study.
abstract: A pilot study among Latinos with intellectual disabilities (ID) was conducted. Focus groups and Photovoice methodology were employed to explore participants' health perceptions and beliefs. Three focus groups were conducted for a total of 15 participants. An additional member check focus group was conducted to verify results of the analysis. Photovoice methodology was employed with four Latinos with ID to explore health beliefs and perceptions of the influence of the social and physical environment. Participants' perceptions of health focused on social and mental aspects of health. Latinos with ID believed that social relationships are important to health. They believed in a connection among social, mental, and physical well-being and health. Cultural beliefs related to the role of God and traditional therapies were identified. Latinos with ID reported that they believed that health was influenced by behaviors and that diet and physical activity were beneficial, but this did not necessarily translate into regular practice.
authors: Department of Health Policy, Management & Behavior, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
authors: Janine M
authors: JM
authors: Jurkowski
authors: Yesenia
authors: Y
authors: Rivera
authors: Joy
authors: J
authors: Hammel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research