Using community-based participatory research to develop a bilingual mental health survey for Latinos.
BACKGROUND
Despite rapid growth, Latino communities' mental health needs are unmet by existing services and research. Barriers may vary by geographic locations, but often include language, insurance coverage, immigration status, cultural beliefs, and lack of services.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this research was development of a cross-sectional instrument to assess the mental health status, beliefs, and knowledge of resources among rural and urban Latinos residing in a Midwestern state.


METHODS
The purpose of this article is to describe the community-based participatory research (CBPR) process of instrument development and lessons learned.


RESULTS
A culturally relevant, 100-item bilingual survey instrument was developed by community and academic partners.


CONCLUSIONS
Community-based participatory research methods are salient for sensitive health topics and varied research objectives, including instrument development. To ensure cultural and social relevance of research, community participation is crucial at all stages of research, including developing the research question and instrument.
Garcia
Carolyn M
CM
University of Minnesota School of Nursing, MN, USA.
Gilchrist
Lauren
L
Campesino
Centro
C
Raymond
Nancy
N
Naughton
Sandy
S
de Patino
Janeth Guerra
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D054521:Cultural Competency; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D019303:Multilingualism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires