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Health Perceptions of Latinos With Intellectual Disabilities: The Results of a Qualitative Pilot Study

Department of Health Policy, Management & Behavior at the University at Albany School of Public Health in Rensselaer, New York

Yesenia Rivera, MS, OTR/L

Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Joy Hammel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Departments of Occupational Therapy and Disability and Human Development, Joint Doctoral Program in Disability Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

A pilot study among Latinos with intellectual disabilities (ID) was conducted. Focus groups and Photovoice methodology were employed to explore participants' health perceptions and beliefs. Three focus groups were conducted for a total of 15 participants. An additional member check focus group was conducted to verify results of the analysis. Photovoice methodology was employed with four Latinos with ID to explore health beliefs and perceptions of the influence of the social and physical environment. Participants' perceptions of health focused on social and mental aspects of health. Latinos with ID believed that social relationships are important to health. They believed in a connection among social, mental, and physical well-being and health. Cultural beliefs related to the role of God and traditional therapies were identified. Latinos with ID reported that they believed that health was influenced by behaviors and that diet and physical activity were beneficial, but this did not necessarily translate into regular practice.

Key Words: disability • Hispanic Americans • intellectual disability • qualitative methods • participatory action research

This version was published on January 1, 2009

Health Promotion Practice, Vol. 10, No. 1, 144-155 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1524839907309045


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