Intimate partner violence and sexual health: voices and images of Latina immigrant survivors in southwestern United States

"My Cross to Bear": Mothering in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in Mexico

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy negatively affects both maternal and infant health, yet gaps remain in understanding factors that maintain violence and/or promote resilience within the context of mothering. Nine focus groups were conducted with pregnant and/or IPV-exposed women (n  =  17) and service providers (n  =  26) working with these women in Nuevo León, Mexico. Thematic analysis of the focus group data revealed the detrimental impact of cultural norms that prioritize the relationship with women's partners, marriage, and family above women's dignity. Participants also identified ways that values regarding motherhood function as motivation for women to pursue a life without violence.

Sexual Health Interventions for Racial/Ethnic Minorities Using Community-Based Participatory Research: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Racial/ethnic minorities (REMs) continue to carry the burden of sexual health disparities in the United States, including increased health risks and lower proportions of preventative care. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been useful in developing interventions aimed at reducing these disparities. Specifically, partnership with the target group members has resulted in more culturally relevant intervention strategies.

AIM

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the existing research on sexual health interventions targeting U.S. REMs that were developed using CBPR, to highlight the role target group members played in the development of these interventions, and to explore the benefits and outcomes of these partnerships.

METHOD

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guided the search of 46 thesauri terms for CBPR, sexual health, and REMs across six databases.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 805 identified studies. After applying limiters, reviewing abstracts, and doing a full-text review, 24 appropriate studies were retained. The key findings indicated significant intervention outcomes such as increased health knowledge, attitude change, and behavioral intention that could reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors. Twelve studies detailed the methods for partnering with target group members to formulate interventions, highlighting the benefits related to recruitment, retention, and cultural relevance.

DISCUSSION

CBPR is well-positioned to address sexual health disparities among REMs. While community partnership strategies vary, the findings yield evidence that CBPR addressing sexual health disparities is achievable, can influence the effectiveness of interventions, and should be considered as an orientation in future sexual health research.

Researchers or practitioners' opinion of the possibilities for creating virtual safe social spaces for violence prevention interventions for young people

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global concern. Interventions designed to prevent IPV are often participatory in nature, implemented in face-to-face settings and seek to create 'safe social spaces'. We however do not fully understand how safe social spaces can be created in online spaces. Our study sought to understand the possibility of creating safe social spaces online, supportive of participatory interventions, from the perspective of those developing and implementing IPV prevention interventions. We conducted in-depth interviews with a global sample of 20 researchers and practitioners. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic network analysis. We found mixed results about the possibility of creating safe social spaces online. Researchers and practitioners raised issues such as sharing of devices, the difficulties in developing trust and a sense of community online, challenges in having privacy and confidentiality online and difficulty in reading non-verbal cues as some of the key considerations when creating online safe social spaces. Younger researchers and practitioners were more optimistic about creating safe social spaces online. Our results show that the creation of safe social spaces online is complex and requires further investigation.

The Use of Photovoice Methodology to Assess Health Needs and Identify Opportunities Among Migrant Transgender Women in the U.S.-Mexico Border

Psychosocial, social and structural conditions have rarely been studied among transgender women in the U.S.-Mexico Border. This study used Photovoice methodology to empower migrant transgender women of color (TWC) to reflect on realities from their own perspectives and experiences and promote critical dialogue, knowledge, and community action. Sixteen participants documented their daily experiences through photography, engaged in photo-discussions to assess needs and identify opportunities, and developed a community-informed Call to Action. Four major themes emerged from the participants' photographs, discussions, and engagement: (1) mental health, (2) migration experiences and challenges, (3) stigma, discrimination, and resiliency, and (4) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through active community engagement, a Call to Action was developed. A binational advisory committee of decision makers and scholars reviewed a set of recommendations to better respond to the needs of TWC in the U.S.-Mexico Border. Photovoice served as an empowerment tool for TWC to assess the myriad of syndemic conditions, including mental health, stigma, discrimination and COVID-19, affecting them daily and identify initiatives for change.

"Is It Good or Bad for the Air?" Latino and Asian Pacific Islander Youth-Led Messaging and Action for Environmental Justice Through Photovoice

Photovoice is a powerful way to generate youth reflection and social action for health promotion. While the literature offers numerous examples of photovoice studies involving youth, they are most often engaged in taking, dialoguing, and developing phototexts, but not always in the critical next stages of planning what to do with this data, in terms of analyzing and then planning change-related strategic actions. This article describes the ways in which an intergenerational environmental justice project, as part of a larger community-based participatory research program, engaged youth through all stages of a photovoice project. Latino and Asia Pacific Islander adults recruited their own and other youth to conduct a photovoice and air sample data collection, analysis, exhibition, and evaluation activity focused on addressing indoor environmental justice threats from volatile organic chemicals. We offer lessons learned and reflect on the role of intergenerational collaboration to support youth in applying a critical lens for analyzing photovoice data and advocacy for health in their communities. We conclude with implications for photovoice practice and research.

Psychological Trauma in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: A Concept Analysis

A comprehensive understanding of psychological trauma in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV) is relevant for nurses and other healthcare providers to provide better care for individuals and families confronting this issue. A concept analysis based on Walker and Avant was conducted to fully understand this concept and its impact on physical and mental health. This concept analysis demonstrates that psychological trauma in the IPV context is an intricate multi-faceted concept that can have a significant long-term effect on individuals who have experienced IPV. The concept's attributes, antecedents, and consequences identified in this concept analysis will contribute to guiding practice, research, education, and policy development aimed to address the trauma affecting individuals and families in the context of IPV.

Using Photovoice to Understand Survivors' Healthcare Experiences and Strategies

The unique, individual nature of traumatic experiences and trauma symptoms and the limited healthcare resources typically allocated for individual patients pose barriers to implementing trauma-informed care. Developing knowledge on how survivors of violence engage in healthcare and self-advocate can lead to more empowering and efficient implementation of trauma-informed care. However, survivor perspectives on trauma-informed care are underrepresented in current literature and survivors' strategies for navigating healthcare are understudied. The aims of this participatory Photovoice study were to describe the healthcare experiences of female survivors of violence and their strategies for dealing with difficult healthcare experiences, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system. A sample of community-based women participated in an iterative series of five Photovoice meetings. Participants discussed multifaceted vulnerability in healthcare settings with regard to past traumatic violence, triggering or retraumatizing health care experiences, medical knowledge, and provider-patient relationships. They agreed that providers believing their symptoms, health concerns, and trauma disclosures was essential for positive provider-patient relationships and healthcare experiences. Findings on the importance of perceived belief with regard to trauma disclosure and health concerns and survivors' healthcare strategies are unique contributions to the literature. Providers should be accountable for integrating survivors' self-knowledge in collaborative healthcare decision-making, for making medical records and information easily accessible, and for expressing belief in trauma disclosures and health concerns. Future research should continue using participatory methods to assess evolving trauma-informed practices and patient engagement among survivors and to hasten progress toward trauma-informed care that effectively meets the needs of survivors.

Marianismo Beliefs, Intimate Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress Among Recently Immigrated, Young Adult Latinas

Marianismo is a Latino cultural value that describes both positive and negative aspects of traditional Latina femininity. Marianismo emphasizes culturally valued qualities such as interpersonal harmony, inner strength, self-sacrifice, and morality. Endorsement of marianismo is hypothesized to correlate with individual economic, educational, and personal variables. Marianismo also is theorized to potentially influence attitudes about, experiences of, and responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) among Latina women. The present study examined whether endorsement of marianismo beliefs mitigated or exacerbated psychological distress after experiences of IPV in a sample of 205 recently immigrated Latina women, aged 18 to 23 years. Latina women experiencing higher levels of IPV and endorsing greater marianismo beliefs were hypothesized to indicate greater psychological distress. Unexpectedly, women who endorsed more Subordinate to Others/Self-Silencing to Maintain Harmony marianismo beliefs indicated more psychological distress (p = .05), greater symptoms of psychological distress (p = .01), and greater average distress (p = .03) when they also reported less IPV than peers. Implications for understanding Latinas' responses to and reporting of IPV, as well as for culturally tailored counseling interventions for this underserved and understudied population, are discussed.

Photovoice: Integrating Course-Based Research in Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Education

Research skills are vital to students' professional careers and must be cultivated in the social work curriculum. While students and faculty may hesitate to participate in a course-based research project, the authors believe that the Photovoice method is easily adapted to a variety of class and student needs. Photovoice is a field-oriented and qualitative research method that visually documents and communicates community assets and needs. The first purpose of this article is to offer Photovoice as a potential model for instructors to implement a course-based research project. The second purpose is to quantitatively assess changes in students' reported confidence in social work topics and research activities. Data revealed that the students reported increased confidence in the majority of the content and research evaluated; content examples include economic justice and determinants of social inequalities; research examples include analysing data for patterns and identifying the limitations of research methods. The data illustrate the pedagogical power of Photovoice.

A review of current strategies to improve HIV prevention and treatment in sexual and gender minority Latinx (SGML) communities

INTRODUCTION

The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact sexual and gender minority Latinxs (SGML). Several syndemic conditions have been linked with HIV acquisition and transmission among SGML including immigration, discrimination, environmental racism, substance use, and mental health.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a summary of biomedical, behavioral, and social/structural interventions to reduce risks for acquiring HIV and improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum among SGML. We also discuss intervention approaches and opportunities that respond at the intersection of HIV and COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a dire need for the combination of biomedical, behavioral, and social/structural interventions to reduce risks for acquiring HIV and improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Interventions and combination approaches should be driven by community-based participatory action research. The inclusion of community members in all stages of the research process can assure successful implementation of program activities and deliverables, including the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is disproportionately impacting individuals living with HIV and other comorbidities, the elderly, and under-resourced communities with a ferocity not seen in other communities, intervention approaches that respond at the intersection of HIV and COVID-19 prevention and treatment are also urgently needed.

Exploring the Needs and Lived Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Minority Domestic Violence Survivors Through Community-Based Participatory Research: A Systematic Review

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a methodological approach where community-academic teams build equitable relationships throughout the research process. In the domestic violence (DV) field, CBPR may be particularly important when conducting research with racial and ethnic minority DV survivors, as this group faces concurrent oppressions that inform their lived experiences. To our knowledge, no systematic review has synthesized articles using a CBPR approach to explore the needs and lived experiences of racial and ethnic minority DV survivors. Using PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, retrieving articles that used a CBPR approach to understand the needs and/or lived experiences of female racial and ethnic minority DV survivors residing in the United States. Articles were identified from peer-reviewed databases, bibliographies, and experts. Thirteen of the 185 articles assessed for eligibility were included. Articles focused on a variety of racial and ethnic minority groups, the majority identifying as African American or Latina. Collaboration occurred in multiple ways, primarily through equitable decision-making and building team members' strengths. Several needs and lived experiences emerged including gender identity and patriarchal attitudes, racism and discrimination, the immigrant experience informing DV, poverty, shame and stigma, and the need for social support. This is the first systematic review of articles using a CBPR approach to explore the needs and lived experiences of racial and ethnic minority survivors. Implications include promoting community-based dissemination, conducting quantitative studies with larger sample sizes of DV survivors, and encouraging culturally specific services that address DV survivors' intersectional needs.

Associations Between Sexual Trauma and Sexual Relationship Power Among Latina Immigrant Farmworkers: The Moderating Role of Gender Norms

Sexual trauma is a national public health concern due to the alarming rates at which it occurs and decades of research supporting its long-term deleterious effects on health outcomes. We assessed the impact of gender norms and sexual trauma on power within sexual relationships among Latina immigrant farmworkers. At baseline, participants (N  = 175) completed a survey examining demographic information, sexual trauma history, and gender norms; a follow-up was administered 6 months later. Past sexual trauma was associated with less power in sexual relationships, r  = -.25, p < .001, as was endorsement of traditional Latina gender norms (i.e., marianismo): sexual relationship control, r  = -.38, p < .001; sexual decision-making dominance, r  = -.21, p  = .005. In contrast, egalitarian gender norm endorsement was associated with higher levels of sexual relationship control, r  = .37, p < .001, and sexual decision-making dominance, r  = .17, p  = .023. Gender norms moderated the association between sexual trauma and sexual relationship power. Specifically, women who subscribed more to marianismo and reported sexual trauma had less decision-making dominance in sexual relationships, whereas those with lower ratings of marianismo reported higher levels of decision-making dominance despite sexual trauma, R²   = .03, p  = .022. Sexual trauma history coupled with higher ratings of egalitarian gender norms was associated with higher levels of sexual relationship control, DR²   = .02, p  = .023. These results highlight the importance of culturally informed research to increase the sexual and overall health of vulnerable populations (e.g., Latina immigrant farmworkers).

Using Photovoice to Address Gender-Based Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review

The purpose of this article is to examine how photovoice research addresses gender-based violence (GBV) among individuals and communities that experience and witness GBV. Photovoice action research (PVAR) methods act as both an intervention and a research method by engaging participants in using photography to depict a topic of concern and in developing potential solutions. To date, there is not a published review of PVAR publications that focus on addressing GBV. This article is comprised of a qualitative systematic review of studies that use photovoice research methods to address GBV. This review is conducted in accordance with the Supplementary Guidance of the Cochrane handbook and results in the examination of 17 publications that meet inclusion criteria. The data synthesis engages grounded theory (GT) methods and results in the emergence of one primary category transgressing the violence and three subcategories illustrating the problem, caring for self and others, and harnessing community resources. The results of this review reveal research, practice, and policy implications for photovoice projects aimed at addressing GBV.

Analyzing the Association Between Depression and High-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Adult Latina Immigrant Farm Workers in Miami-Dade County

Latinas are often more affected by HIV due to their socio-economic and demographic profiles and are also less likely to receive proper mental health care. Latina immigrants are often even more vulnerable due to socio-economic and cultural factors that place them at higher risk. The current study seeks to examine the association between depression and risky sexual behaviors among adult Latina immigrants from a farm working community in South Miami-Dade County, (Florida, USA). Cross-sectional secondary data analysis was used for responses from a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study. Out of 234 Latina immigrants, 15% reported being depressed and 80% were reported as having engaged in risky sexual behavior. Although no association was found between depression and high-risk sexual behavior, significant secondary findings present associations between risky sexual behavior and low sexual relationship power, interpersonal violence, and relationship status. Implications for future research on depression and risky sexual behaviors among this population are discussed.

Latino Health Perceptions in Rural Montana: Engaging Promotores de Salud Using Photovoice Through Facebook

The primary purposes of this study were to use photovoice with Facebook to explore health perceptions and health needs among promotores living in rural Montana and to build community among geographically dispersed promotores. Seven promotores participated in a photovoice project where they uploaded photographs and shared comments in a private Facebook group. Emergent themes based on the promotores' health perceptions, discussions, and interviews were transcribed and coded. Findings of this study will be used to assess health perceptions and needs of the promotores and Latino community in rural Montana.

Accessing and Recruiting a Community-Based Sample of Men of Mexican Origin to Explore Intimate Partner Violence

INTRODUCTION

Vulnerable populations are at greater risk for the burden of disease and negative health outcomes including alcohol abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Moreover, health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations are mediated by socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial factors. Risk factors for IPV perpetration are exacerbated by cultural and gender norms, particularly among men of Mexican origin.

PURPOSE

To discuss research methods used in a community-based sample of men of Mexican origin and ways to overcome recruitment barriers through community engaged approaches.

DISCUSSION

Barriers can impede sampling, recruitment, and enrollment of vulnerable populations (e.g., IPV) but can be overcome. Strategies include: qualitative research methods, identifying key informants, and community engagement approaches, such as listening to the concerns of the community, incorporating the community's knowledge to inform and improve the study, and building rapport to establish trust.

CONCLUSION

Conducting research within vulnerable populations can be challenging but can be mitigated by incorporating multiple strategies. Thus, allowing researchers to gain access and valuable insight into traditionally underrepresented and understudied populations.

[Micro and Macro Social Work Practice in the Context of Tuberculosis]

The study of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S.-Mexico border involves the consideration of three key components, which are complex and interrelated: the difficulty tracking and providing appropriate TB care due to the epidemiological and pathological characteristics of TB; the border itself is a geographical and epidemiological area that interweaves two nations, two cultures, two health systems and different laws; and the need for prevention and treatment approaches to TB that involve comprehensive clinical care and prevention while also taking into consideration stigma, social context and knowledge. This manuscript describes the work of ten studies conducted in Mexico and in the U.S.-Mexico border region from 2006 to 2013. It also provides an understanding of the social and public health implications of TB, the environment and communities, as well as the identification and application of advocacy and social mobilization practices. The work presented provides an understanding of different interventions related to adherence, stigma reduction, person-centered approaches, and effective micro and macro practices in social work.

Adults Experiencing Homelessness in the US-Mexico Border Region: A Photovoice Project

Homelessness is a social, economic, and political crisis in the United States. In particular, the US–Mexico Border region has seen a surge of homelessness, specifically among veterans, women victims of intimate partner violence, and immigrants. In 2014, 12 persons in El Paso, TX, with experience of being homeless used the photovoice methodology to participate in a project titled, “The Voices and Images of the Residents of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless: A Visual Project on the Identity and Challenges Homeless Adults Face on the Border Region.” The project was led by faculty from the Department of Social Work and facilitated by graduate students from the Departments of Social Work, Sociology, and Anthropology at the University of Texas at El Paso. In partnership with the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, a community-based organization, a gallery of photographs with respective narratives was produced along with a video documentary. The participants identified four themes: broken systems, invisibility, opportunities and what works, and growth and determination. These themes represent participants’ life experiences with homelessness and their aspirations. In addition to the photo gallery, participants supported the development of a Call to Action asking the community, policy, and decision makers to commit to changing the current social, economic, and political conditions affecting individuals experiencing homelessness. The gallery, Call to Action, and overall participant experiences with photovoice were shared during local, regional, and national conferences and events, including three State of the Homeless Conferences led by the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in partnership with the university.

Intimate Partner Violence and its Resolution among Mexican Americans

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects the mental and physical health of Mexican women in the United States, and culture is thought to play a role in its prevention and resolution. Qualitative investigations are ideal for explicating context-specific aspects of these phenomena. Thus, a systematic review of 19 primary qualitative research reports was conducted to clearly articulate the process of IPV and its resolution among Mexican American women. Based on the findings, IPV is fueled by aspects of Mexican culture, and barriers exist that make its resolution challenging. Despite attempts to nurture themselves, abuse becomes intolerable, and women eventually reach out for help. Immigration, legal, criminal justice, and social service personnel assist Mexican American women to resolve IPV. In addition, health care providers play an integral role in broaching the topic, establishing trust, and providing key information to women and members of the Mexican American community at large.