Pilot Testing of a Structural Racism Intervention for Immigrant Latinx Families: Blending of Implementation Science and Community-Engaged Research
University of Illinois at Chicago
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new, community-based, group intervention called FIESTA (Familias Inmigrantes Empoderándose contra eStrés Tomando Acción) to understand how well it helps Latinx immigrant families deal with the impact of stress due to structural racism. Structural racism is defined as the policies, practices, and norms that work together to limit equal opportunities for minority communities. For Latinx immigrant families, this can include fears of deportation, lack of bilingual providers, and discrimination. These experiences of structural racism can turn into stress, which impacts well-being and mental health. Researchers will investigate if: 1) FIESTA lowers stress and mental health symptoms (anxiety/depression) and increases feelings of empowerment, improved knowledge of resources, better parent-youth relationship quality, and higher use of healthy coping skills; and 2) FIESTA is feasible (easy to carry out), acceptable (agreeable or satisfactory), and appropriate (relevant to the needs of Latinx families). FIESTA is ten-sessions and will be led by two community health workers. Researchers will enroll 35 parent-adolescent dyads (35 study-eligible parents and 35 study-eligible youth) in the initial study. This study will randomize parent-youth dyads to the treatment arm or waitlist-control arm using block randomization. In other words, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, the First Group, or the Second Group. The First Group will begin immediately, and the Second Group will begin after three months. Data will be collected at baseline and three- and six-month post-baseline.
Description
The aim of the study is to pilot test a new, evidence-informed group intervention (FIESTA) among Latina immigrant mothers and youth (ages 14-17) and determine preliminary evidence as well as acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. FIESTA was developed in collaboration with a local community-based organization, the research team's established community partner. Participants will be recruited through the research team's established community partnership. To participate in FIESTA, both the caregiver and child are required to participate. Researchers will enroll 35 parent-adolescent dyad…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 14–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Caregiver/Parent * Identification as a Latina immigrant woman over the age of 18 years old * Parent or primary caregiver of a youth between the ages of 14-17 Youth * Identification as a Latinx adolescent between the ages of 14-17 * Child of a primary caregiver (mother) who identifies as a Latina immigrant Exclusion Criteria: * Adults and youth unable to cognitively participate in the group or adults who are unable to consent
Interventions
- BehavioralFamilias Inmigrantes Empoderándose contra eStrés Tomando Acción (FIESTA)
FIESTA is a 10-session, group intervention led by community health workers that offers strategies related to individual stress management, family coping and communication, and community navigation.
Location
- University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, Illinois