Citation

Humensky JL, Gil R, Coronel B, Cifre R, Mazzula S, Lewis-Fernandez R. Ethn. Inequal. Health Soc. Care 2013; 6(2): 54-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/EIHSC-10-2013-0027

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE: Hispanic female (Latina) adolescents have high rates of suicidal behavior. Latinas face suicide risks common to all adolescents, but also face unique risks, including family and acculturation struggles. Life is Precious (LIP), a community-based organization operating in Brooklyn and the Bronx, has developed a comprehensive suicide prevention intervention for Latinas that has been well-received by adolescents, their parents, and the community. The purpose of this paper is to describe an academic-community partnership that has been created to evaluate the program and develop an evidence-based practice (EBP) that can be replicated in other settings.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A quantitative and qualitative research design has been developed to evaluate the current program and identify how it can be scaled into an EBP.

FINDINGS: To date, 55 participants have completed the baseline interview. All participants are Latinas age 12-18. In total, 84 percent were born in the USA and 89 percent report fluency in English. About one-third report having repeated a grade in school and over a quarter report a history of sexual abuse. Preliminary findings indicate the effectiveness of LIP. Since the program's inception in 2008, only three participants have been hospitalized for mental health reasons and none have attempted suicide. Participants report improvements in school and family functioning. Practical implications: Findings may be useful in design of programs (not necessarily suicide prevention) serving immigrant, low income, and urban populations.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: LIP is an innovative program that addresses the unique risk factors facing Latina adolescents. LIP's success makes it a promising avenue to learn about preventing suicidal behavior in this vulnerable population. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Language: en

Keywords

Gender; Women; Ethnicity; Multicultural; Diversity in mental health