title: Using qualitative inquiry and participatory research approaches to develop prevention research: validating a life course perspective.
abstract: Application of life course theory (LCT) holds promise for advancing knowledge toward the elimination of health disparities. This article validates the usefulness of employing a life course perspective when conducting health disparities research. We provide an overview of LCT as it applies to our research program in prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Latino teen parents. We illustrate the goodness-of-fit of our research with the basic premises of LCT. Though early adverse life experiences impact health over the lifespan, strength-based HIV prevention programs designed for Latino teen parents that recognize the reality of their lives may alter their health trajectory.
authors.affiliation: Center for Community-Based Health Promotion with Women and Children, Department of Family and Community Health Systems, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. lesser@uthscsa.edu
authors.forename: Janna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lesser
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koniak-Griffin
mesh_terms: D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research