title: ¡Hazlo bien! A participatory needs assessment and recommendations for health promotion in growing Latino communities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the health needs of a rapidly growing Latino community and understand priorities for developing culturally sensitive health promotion strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A participatory research approach was selected to understand health challenges and opportunities for health engagement in the community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Norwood, Ohio, a small community in southwest Ohio.
  
  
  METHODS
  Latino adults living, working, or accessing services in Norwood.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trained community researchers collected survey data from 198 participants at multiple community "points of contact" and door-to-door in more isolated neighborhoods. Survey data were aggregated using descriptive statistics. Two focus groups were conducted with 25 community members, transcribed, and analyzed using principles of thematic analysis. Participants' health concerns, health behaviors, and access to/experiences with health care were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicated significant health concerns, including overweight (43.2%) and obesity (28.6%), mental health challenges (anxiety 15.7%; depression 15.0%), and oral health concerns (23.0%). In addition, community members described barriers to accessing health care and strategies for preventing health problems and promoting positive health. Participants also discussed perceived discrimination and the need to address isolation within their community.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Methods and findings from the ¡Hazlo Bien! participatory needs assessment are likely to be useful to those designing health promotion programs in quickly growing Latino communities where there are limited health services and few existing social support networks.
authors: Nova Southeastern University, Center for Psychological Services, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA. Jessica.Valenzuela@nova.edu
authors: Jessica M
authors: JM
authors: Valenzuela
authors: Tiffany
authors: T
authors: McDowell
authors: Lindsey
authors: L
authors: Cencula
authors: Lupe
authors: L
authors: Hoyt
authors: Monica J
authors: MJ
authors: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009820:Ohio; D009909:Oral Health; D050177:Overweight; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult