title: Trauma-Exposed Latina Immigrants' Networks: A Social Network Analysis Approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Trauma exposure among Latina immigrants is common. Social support networks can buffer the impact of trauma on mental health. This study characterizes the social networks of trauma-exposed Latina immigrants using a social network analysis perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2011-2012 a convenience sample (n=28) of Latina immigrants with trauma exposure and presumptive depression or posttraumatic stress disorder was recruited from a community clinic in Washington DC. Participants completed a social network assessment and listed up to ten persons in their network (alters). E-Net was used to describe the aggregate structural, interactional, and functional characteristics of networks and Node-XL was used in a case study to diagram one network.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants listed children (93%), siblings (82%), and friends (71%) as alters, and most alters lived in the US (69%). Perceived emotional support and positive social interaction were higher compared to tangible, language, information, and financial support. A case study illustrates the use of network visualizations to assess the strengths and weaknesses of social networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Targeted social network interventions to enhance supportive networks among trauma-exposed Latina immigrants are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Alejandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hurtado-de-Mendoza
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serrano
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Institute.
authors.forename: Felisa A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Gonzales
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University.
authors.forename: Nicole C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cabling
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Stacey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaltman
keywords: Latina immigrants; social network analysis; social networks; social support; trauma