Research Interests:
Given the lack of progress in breast cancer prevention, the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) plans to apply current scientific knowledge about breast cancer to primary prevention at the population level. This paper... more
Given the lack of progress in breast cancer prevention, the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) plans to apply current scientific knowledge about breast cancer to primary prevention at the population level. This paper describes the first phase of Californians Linking Action with Science for Prevention of Breast Cancer (CLASP-BC). The foci of Phase 1 are building coalitions and coalition capacity building through community engagement in community-based participatory research (CBPR) and dissemination and implementation (D&I) research training. Based on the successful implementation and evaluation of Phase 1, the foci of Phase 2 (presented separately in this special issue) will be to translate the California Breast Cancer Prevention Plan overarching goal and specific intervention goals for 23 breast cancer risk and protective factors strategies into evidence-informed interventions (EIIs) that are disseminated and implemented across California. CLASP-BC is designed to iden...
Research Interests:
Californians Linking Action with Science for Prevention of Breast Cancer (CLASP-BC) is part of California Breast Cancer Research Program’s (CBCRP) Initiative strategic priority to disseminate and implement high-impact, population-based... more
Californians Linking Action with Science for Prevention of Breast Cancer (CLASP-BC) is part of California Breast Cancer Research Program’s (CBCRP) Initiative strategic priority to disseminate and implement high-impact, population-based primary prevention interventions. CLASP-BC is informed by six years of funded program dissemination and implementation (D&I) research and evaluation conducted by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) through its Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP). In its second phase, CLASP-BC will fund multi-sector, multi-jurisdictional initiatives that integrate the lessons learned from science with the lessons learned from practice and policy to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and develop viable and sustainable infrastructure models for primary prevention breast cancer programs and research evidence implementation. Applications will be solicited from research, practice, policy, and community teams to address one or mor...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT
Initial U.S.A. breast cancer screening rates have risen, but not repeat screening, especially among low-income minority populations. Latinas are particularly at-risk of underscreening. Consequently, late-detection is common, with... more
Initial U.S.A. breast cancer screening rates have risen, but not repeat screening, especially among low-income minority populations. Latinas are particularly at-risk of underscreening. Consequently, late-detection is common, with increased risk of dying after diagnosis. Why women with low-income, particularly Latinas, who had initial mammography, were not regularly screened was examined. An expanded model was tested, incorporating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), cultural factors, potential facilitators and barriers. Participants were 112 women, 72 of whom were Latinas, who had contacted an Early-Detection Program and received a mammogram 3-4 years earlier. The TPB did not explain mammography rescreening behavior among Latinas. The cultural factors: high familism and low fatalism showed significant multivariate associations with recent mammogram among Latinas. A major barrier for Latinas was "distorted familism": neglecting own health because family was first priority...
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Purpose: Numerous studies have documented inequities in delivery of health care to Latinos with limited English proficiency. Advances in technology, using automatic two-way speech translation offer new possibilities for... more
ABSTRACT Purpose: Numerous studies have documented inequities in delivery of health care to Latinos with limited English proficiency. Advances in technology, using automatic two-way speech translation offer new possibilities for cost-effective, targeted interpretation solutions for improved communication with monolingual Spanish speaking/limited English proficiency patients and their families. Methods: The National Science Foundation funded a transdisciplinary team of experts from engineering, communication, preventive medicine and public health, and medical education to develop and evaluate the use, effectiveness and cultural appropriateness of SpeechLinks, a technology-based cross-lingual communication tool. Data was compiled from 50 sessions of clinical encounters among triads of English speaking physicians, Spanish language standardized patients and bilingual Spanish/English interpreters. These data will be used in two ways: First, to develop the core SpeechLinks technologies including capturing the relevant dialectal and Spanish language information for the target interaction scenarios, and developing tools for easy end-user customization and updating; second, to assist and inform SpeechLinks to understand the most useful functionalities and form. Results: Findings reveal the importance of incorporating information on culturally bound syndromes, variations in the meaning of specific Spanish words, and factors impacting the communication of emotion in the medical environment. SpeechLinks has the potential to help bridge the language gap so that health care access and delivery to Latinos is not compromised by sociolinguistic barriers. However, technology is challenged in conveying variations in language and the cultural-emotional content in a caring doctor/patient relationship within a Latino context. Incorporation of these findings is the goal of our next design iteration.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Demography, Health Behavior, Immigration, Developing Countries, Language, and 15 moreAcculturation, Linear models, Humans, Child, Female, Alcohol Drinking, Exercise, Health Status, Aged, Longitudinal Studies, Chi Square Distribution, Disadvantaged, Insurance Coverage, Interviews as topic, and Latin Americans
Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Epidemiological evidence reveals that Hispanic women lag behind all other ethnic groups in their rate of cervical cancer screening (National Health Interview Survey,... more
Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Epidemiological evidence reveals that Hispanic women lag behind all other ethnic groups in their rate of cervical cancer screening (National Health Interview Survey, 2006). Can stories succeed where more traditional cancer campaigns have faltered? Funding by the National Cancer Institute enabled researchers at Hollywood, Health & Society, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the Institute for Prevention Research at the University of Southern California to encourage writers of primetime programming to include accurate information regarding cervical cancer. Purpose of study: This study examined whether a popular Spanish language telenovela could impact Hispanic viewers’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior with respect to cervical cancer screening. Experimental procedures: This was assessed by a quantitative survey of viewers before and after the fictional character of Dora in a Telemundo telenovela, El Clon, had an abnormal pap test. Results: Statistical comparisons between the pretest and posttest surveys revealed that after seeing cervical cancer storyline viewers were 6 times more likely to know that a pap test detects cervical cancer; 4 times more likely to know that pap tests are available for free or at low cost; 80 percent more likely to know pap women should have a pap test at least every 2 years; and 80 percent more likely to intend to have pap in next 2 years. This shift was strongest among viewers who identified with Dora and reported being absorbed or “transported” while viewing. Conclusions: A cervical cancer storyline on a popular telenovela was significantly associated with greater level of knowledge and intention to have pap test in the next 2 years. Implications of these results and the use of entertainment education in cancer communication more generally will be discussed. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1831. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1831
Research Interests:
American Indian adolescents have the highest smoking prevalence of all ethnic groups in the U.S., yet few representative, population-based studies have examined their risk and protective factors for smoking. This study used combined data... more
American Indian adolescents have the highest smoking prevalence of all ethnic groups in the U.S., yet few representative, population-based studies have examined their risk and protective factors for smoking. This study used combined data from statewide samples of California adolescents in 1999 and 2002. The prevalence of lifetime and past-month cigarette smoking was higher among American Indian adolescents than among non-Indians. American Indian adolescents were more likely than non-Indian adolescents to have friends or parents who smoke. They were less likely to say that their parents had expressed a desire for them not to smoke, to have a complete smoking ban in the home, to believe that occasional smoking is harmful, and to believe that smoking helps keep weight down. Among the American Indian adolescents, the risk factors for lifetime smoking were friends’ smoking, parents’ smoking, no smoking ban in the home, and the belief that occasional smoking is not harmful. The risk facto...
Research Interests:
Introduction This study examined smoking cessation advice offered by vape shop employees, as well as their perceived awareness of vaping research. Aims and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 121 vape shops in the Greater... more
Introduction This study examined smoking cessation advice offered by vape shop employees, as well as their perceived awareness of vaping research. Aims and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 121 vape shops in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California in four multiethnic communities (Hispanic/Latino, African American, Korean/Asian, and non-Hispanic White). A 35-minute interview assessed the employee’s tobacco product use, perceptions of vaping research, and experience advising customers to quit cigarette smoking. Results Among 121 vape shop employees surveyed, 106 (88%) reported that they provided smoking cessation advice or counseling to customers. Nearly half (45%) reported having no vaping-related research knowledge, while 30% were aware of provaping studies only. Approximately 85% of employees had quit cigarettes by switching to e-cigarettes instead, whereas 15% were dual users. Only 49% believed that vaping products contribute to nicotine addiction amo...
Research Interests:
ObjectivesIn February 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a guidance restricting the sales and distribution of cartridge-based e-cigarettes with flavours other than tobacco and menthol. Disposable devices were exempt from... more
ObjectivesIn February 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a guidance restricting the sales and distribution of cartridge-based e-cigarettes with flavours other than tobacco and menthol. Disposable devices were exempt from this guidance. This study examined the prevalence of disposable pod use and flavour preference compared with refillable pod and other e-cigarette users among vape shop customers.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingIn July 2019–March 2020, trained data collectors visited 44 vape shops in California with permission to recruit customers from shop owners.ParticipantsIntercept interviews with 276 customers were conducted.Outcomes and proceduresCustomers were grouped based on self-reported device type used most often (disposable pod, refillable pod and other e-cigarettes). Groups were compared on self-reported demographics, flavours preferred, daily e-cigarette use, preferred nicotine concentration levels and cigarette use.ResultsOf the 276 customers surveyed...
Research Interests:
Introduction Young adulthood (aged 18–24) is a crucial period in the development of long-term tobacco use patterns. Tobacco advertising and promotion lead to the initiation and continuation of smoking among young adults. We examined... more
Introduction Young adulthood (aged 18–24) is a crucial period in the development of long-term tobacco use patterns. Tobacco advertising and promotion lead to the initiation and continuation of smoking among young adults. We examined whether vulnerability factors moderated the association between tobacco advertisement liking and tobacco use in the United States. Methods Analyses were conducted among 9109 US young adults in the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study wave 1 (2013–14). Participants viewed 20 randomly selected sets of tobacco advertisements (five each for cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) and indicated whether they liked each ad. The outcome variables were past 30-day cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use. Covariates included tobacco advertisement liking, age, sex, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, poverty level, military service, and internalizing and externalizing ment...
Research Interests:
After proposing the "Deeming Rule" in 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products as tobacco products in 2016. The... more
After proposing the "Deeming Rule" in 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products as tobacco products in 2016. The current study conducted vape shop store observations and surveyed Los Angeles-area shop employees (assessing their beliefs, awareness, and perceptions of e-cigarettes and related FDA regulations) at two time points one year apart to better understand what vape shop retailers would do given FDA's soon-to-be-enacted Deeming Rule. The study also compared retailer beliefs/awareness/actions and store characteristics immediately after the Deeming Rule proposal versus a year after the Rule had been proposed, right before its enactment. Two data collection waves occurred before the Deeming Rule enactment, with Year 1 surveying 77 shops (2014) and Year 2 surveying 61 shops (2015-2016). Between the data collection points, 16 shops had closed. Among the shops...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Health Communication, Trust, Vaccines, Consumer Health Information, Medicine, and 14 moreLos Angeles, Humans, African American, Female, Immunization, Vaccination, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Ethnic Group, European Continental Ancestry Group, Vaccine Hesitancy, Information Scanning, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
The Romero family is preparing for ROSITA's Quinceaera her 15th birthday celebration. It's the day before the Quinceaera and there are decorations everywhere. In the kitchen, LUPITA, late 20s, talks on her cell phone. She hangs up... more
The Romero family is preparing for ROSITA's Quinceaera her 15th birthday celebration. It's the day before the Quinceaera and there are decorations everywhere. In the kitchen, LUPITA, late 20s, talks on her cell phone. She hangs up angrily and says, Yeah, well then don't bother calling me, because it's over. LUPITA sighs deeply trying to hold back a few tears. Her sister, CONNIE, 21, is busy cutting up cilantro. CONNIE asks her sister what happened. LUPITA gets close to her and whispers that she found out she has the HPV virus and she knows she got it from her boyfriend. LUPITA tells her sister that now she is going to have to get a Pap test every six months to make sure she is okay. She advises her to get a Pap test now that she is 21. Just then BLANCA, late 40s, and her comadre DOA PETRA, 50s, come in holding the Quinceaera gown, fit for a princess. CONNIE and LUPITA immediately change the conversation and they get busy preparing the tamales. BLANCA is so happy that...
Effective tobacco education materials that educate and counter pro-tobacco influences have continually provided support for tobacco control campaigns, but they make a bigger difference when they are tailored specifically to the target... more
Effective tobacco education materials that educate and counter pro-tobacco influences have continually provided support for tobacco control campaigns, but they make a bigger difference when they are tailored specifically to the target audience and at the local level. The Tobacco Education and Materials Lab (TEAM Lab) at the University of Southern California is funded by the California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Control Program (CTCP), provides training and technical assistance (TA) to over 100 CTCP-funded projects to produce high-quality, evidence-based tobacco education materials. We aim to build the overall capacity of CTCP-funded projects by utilizing 10-steps to creating effective materials based on material development best practices. Technical assistance is provided through webinars, tutorials, conference calls and resources on the TEAM Lab website, to develop and test population-specific tobacco education and advocacy material. Between September 2009 and ...
Research Interests:
Background: Cervical cancer ranks second in terms of prevalence and mortality among female cancers in Panama, where HPV is highly prevalent (>50%). Few qualitative studies have investigated cultural beliefs and knowledge of cervical... more
Background: Cervical cancer ranks second in terms of prevalence and mortality among female cancers in Panama, where HPV is highly prevalent (>50%). Few qualitative studies have investigated cultural beliefs and knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV among Panamanian women and the role these views may play in screening behaviors. Objective: Describe knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine among women in Panama City, Panama. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach with quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group data. Women aged 18-65 from inner-city Panama completed a verbal survey. Focus group data (collection currently underway, 2-4 groups anticipated) will further explore emergent themes, including: beliefs, perceived risk, and emotions related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine. Results: Within our quantitative survey, 24.78% (n= 28/113) and 17.70% (n= 20/113) of respondents felt they were personally at risk...
Research Interests:
Three community-based CHWs/Promotoras de Salud-academic research partnerships explore how neighborhood characteristics (rural vs. urban) are associated with equity indicators in vulnerable communities; and how CHWs/Promotras can use these... more
Three community-based CHWs/Promotoras de Salud-academic research partnerships explore how neighborhood characteristics (rural vs. urban) are associated with equity indicators in vulnerable communities; and how CHWs/Promotras can use these indicators to maximize community change: Regale-Salud, Su-Corazón-Su-Vida, and Tobacco-Retailers engaged CHWs/Promotoras in urban and rural neighborhoods of California on tobacco policy and obesity prevention to reduce health inequities. 1) Regale-Salud is a CHW/Promotora-driven communication campaign in low-income Latino multi-unit-housing in semi-rural Riverside and urban Los Angeles. One hundred and seventy-five door-to-door and 400 telephone surveys revealed differences in equity indicators and adoption of secondhand-smoke policies between rural/urban neighborhoods. 2) In Su-Corazón–Su-Vida 25 Promotoras engaged 700 Latinos in a healthy-eating/physical activity program in rural Kern and urban Los Angeles. Use of technology (webinars, Facebook, ...
Research Interests:
Background: Maternal stress has been found to be a key factor in family decision-making related to children and mother's own health (Harrison, 2005). This study examines the role of maternal stress in cervical cancer screening (Pap... more
Background: Maternal stress has been found to be a key factor in family decision-making related to children and mother's own health (Harrison, 2005). This study examines the role of maternal stress in cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) and child HPV vaccination. Methods: A RDD survey measuring life stress, self-efficacy, behavioral intentions and behaviors regarding Pap tests and HPV vaccination for sons and daughters was administered in Los Angeles (N=843) to Mexican-American, Korean-American, African-American, and Non-Hispanic-White women. Results: Findings from this study show there were no significant differences across ethnicity. Having too much to deal with was associated with a decreased likelihood of having a Pap test in the past two years (OR=.358, p
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Science, Depression, Bullying, and 15 moreRisk assessment, Acculturation, Adolescent, California, Humans, Minority Groups, Female, Male, Crime Victims, Risk factors, Social Adjustment, Risk Factors, Risk Assessment, Adolescent Behavior, and Family Characteristics
Research Interests: Psychology, Communication, Treatment Outcome, Acculturation, Adolescent, and 15 moreMedicine, Immigrants and Emigrants, Humans, Female, Male, Sexual Behavior, Young Adult, Middle Aged, Longitudinal Studies, Adult, Parent‐child Relations, Adolescent Behavior, Substance-Related Disorders, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
There are compelling reasons to conduct studies of cancer in Hispanics, the fastest growing major demographic group in the United States (from 15% to 30% of the U.S. population by 2050). The genetically admixed Hispanic population coupled... more
There are compelling reasons to conduct studies of cancer in Hispanics, the fastest growing major demographic group in the United States (from 15% to 30% of the U.S. population by 2050). The genetically admixed Hispanic population coupled with secular trends in environmental exposures and lifestyle/behavioral practices that are associated with immigration and acculturation offer opportunities for elucidating the effects of genetics, environment, and lifestyle on cancer risk and identifying novel risk factors. For example, traditional breast cancer risk factors explain less of the breast cancer risk in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic whites (NHW), and there is a substantially greater proportion of never-smokers with lung cancer in Hispanics than in NHW. Hispanics have higher incidence rates for cancers of the cervix, stomach, liver, and gall bladder than NHW. With respect to these cancers, there are intriguing patterns that warrant study (e.g., depending on country of origin, the five...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This study explored whether cultural identity predicts health lifestyle behaviors. Participants included 302 recently immigrated (<5 years in the U.S.) Latinx adolescents (53% boys; mean age 14.51 years at baseline) from Miami and Los... more
This study explored whether cultural identity predicts health lifestyle behaviors. Participants included 302 recently immigrated (<5 years in the U.S.) Latinx adolescents (53% boys; mean age 14.51 years at baseline) from Miami and Los Angeles. Participants completed cultural identity measures at baseline and 1-year post baseline. A path analysis was used to estimate associations between cultural identities (ethnic, national, and bicultural) and health lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, diet, and sleep hygiene). Ethnic identity positively predicted diet. Results also indicated a significant interaction between ethnic and national identity on sleep hygiene. Specifically, when national identity was high (+1 SD), ethnic identity positively predicted sleep hygiene. This study focuses on health lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, diet, and sleep hygiene in this population. Results highlight the need to explore the protective nature of cultural identity retention in rela...
IntroductionAmerican Indians have the highest cigarette smoking prevalence of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. Tobacco marketing at point-of-sale is associated with smoking, possibly due to easy access to cheap tobacco products. The... more
IntroductionAmerican Indians have the highest cigarette smoking prevalence of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. Tobacco marketing at point-of-sale is associated with smoking, possibly due to easy access to cheap tobacco products. The sale of novel tobacco products like little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs) has increased in recent years which may further increase combustible tobacco use among American Indians.MethodsBetween October 2015 and February 2017, trained community health workers collected LCC product and price information by conducting audits of tobacco retailers on Tribal lands (n=53) and retailers within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands (n=43) in California. Χ2 analyses were performed to examine associations among the availability and advertising of LCCs, including indoor price promotions and store location.ResultsOverall, 85.4% of stores sold LCCs, 76.0% sold flavoured LCCs and 51.0% sold LCCs for less than $1. Indoor price promotions were displayed at 45 (46.9%) stores. Store...
Research Interests:
Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite knowing that HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices, limited data have characterized the... more
Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite knowing that HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices, limited data have characterized the risk profiles of BSMW. This study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to explore BMSMW's sexual risk profiles regarding condomless sexual positioning practices. Participants were BMSMW in intervention studies in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. LCA was used to characterize their sexual risk profiles. Age, study location, HIV status, social support, and internalized homophobia were used as covariates in a multinomial regression model predicting the likelihood of class membership. Among the 546 participants, three latent classes of risk were identified: Seropositive Serosorters, Seronegative/unknown Serosorters, and Main Partners Only. All groups had the greatest probabilities of condomless sex with main partners. Seropositive Serosorters had...
Research Interests:
Acculturation appears to be an important aspect of the association between ethnicity and disease, but it has not been explored in depth among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The purpose of our study was to identify distinct... more
Acculturation appears to be an important aspect of the association between ethnicity and disease, but it has not been explored in depth among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The purpose of our study was to identify distinct acculturative profiles among Hispanic CCS and to assess differences in quality of life and depressive symptoms. Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct acculturative profiles using 9 indicator items reflecting Hispanic and Anglo cultural orientation. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore differences in depressive symptoms and quality of life between acculturation classes. Participants were diagnosed in Los Angeles County, California, USA between 2000-2007 and were recruited for the study in 2009. Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale and the PedsQL 4.0 quality of life scale. Three distinct acculturation classes emerged. All classes displayed a high probability of endorsing all Anglo orientation items. One class additio...
Research Interests:
Ethnic and sex variations in depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors were explored among a sample of Latino and non-Latino childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) (n = 194)... more
Ethnic and sex variations in depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors were explored among a sample of Latino and non-Latino childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) (n = 194) treated at hospitals in Los Angeles County. Latinos scored higher in depressive symptoms and lower in QOL when compared with non-Latinos. Males had higher depressive symptoms. Among Latinos, higher levels of acculturation were associated with depression and a poorer QOL, and we found that more acculturated Latino males were more likely to have meaningful levels of depression than less acculturated males or females. Interventions addressing depressive symptoms may be most needed for Hispanic male CCSs.
Prosocial behaviors (i.e., actions that benefit others) are important markers of healthy social functioning, and understanding the factors that predict such outcomes among recent immigrant Latino adolescents is important. The current... more
Prosocial behaviors (i.e., actions that benefit others) are important markers of healthy social functioning, and understanding the factors that predict such outcomes among recent immigrant Latino adolescents is important. The current study examines the longitudinal associations between maternal involvement and prosocial behaviors via collectivism values. Data comes from a longitudinal project (Construyendo Oportunidades Para los Adolescentes Latinos) of 302 recently immigrated U.S. Latina/o adolescents (53.3% male, average age = 14.51 years old). The current study uses data from three times points across 2 years. The results demonstrated that maternal involvement was positively associated with collectivism values. Collectivism was positively associated with changes in prosocial behaviors. There was also partial support for a reverse-causal model. Discussion focuses on the links among parenting, cultural values, and prosocial behaviors among immigrant U.S. Latina/o adolescents.
Research Interests:
Ethnic identity formation is a central developmental task that can become challenging when adolescents face a salient stressor, such as ethnic discrimination. Although ethnic identity and experiences with ethnic discrimination are thought... more
Ethnic identity formation is a central developmental task that can become challenging when adolescents face a salient stressor, such as ethnic discrimination. Although ethnic identity and experiences with ethnic discrimination are thought to be associated, the temporal order of these constructs is unclear. In the current study, we examined (a) the rejection-identification model and (b) the identification-attribution model in a longitudinal, cross-lagged model among 302 Hispanic immigrant adolescents (Mage = 14.51, SD = .88 at baseline; 46.7% female) living in Miami (n = 152) and Los Angeles (n = 150). Results support the identification-attribution model such that adolescents who reported higher levels of ethnic identity exploration reported higher levels of perceived discrimination 1 year later. Conversely, adolescents who reported higher levels of ethnic identity belonging reported less subsequent perceived discrimination. Findings suggest that ethnic identity formation may affect ...
Research Interests:
Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) report high unmet information needs. This study examined the prevalence of cancer-related information-seeking among CCS and investigated associations between information-seeking behavior and positive... more
Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) report high unmet information needs. This study examined the prevalence of cancer-related information-seeking among CCS and investigated associations between information-seeking behavior and positive health outcomes such as follow-up care. Participants (n = 193) were young adult CCS diagnosed with cancer in Los Angeles County, 54% of Hispanic ethnicity, with a mean age of 19.87, in remission, and at least 2 years from completion of treatment. CCS were asked where they accessed health information related to their cancer with response options categorized into four information domains: hospital resources, social media, other survivors, and family members. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with each information domain, including sociodemographics, post-traumatic growth (i.e., reporting positive changes since cancer diagnosis), health care engagement, level of education, and health insurance status. Hospital resourc...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Objectives. To demonstrate the use of evaluation data in determining the effectiveness of a series of community-based educational seminars designed to educate substance abuse treatment counselors on the latest science regarding the... more
Objectives. To demonstrate the use of evaluation data in determining the effectiveness of a series of community-based educational seminars designed to educate substance abuse treatment counselors on the latest science regarding the effects of alcohol abuse on diseases of the liver and pancreas; in the process, to highlight the use of difference scores versus lagged regression as alternative approaches to conducting such evaluations. Methods. Data were collected from 338 seminar participants during 4 half-day seminars in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2014. Pre- and post-seminar data were collected immediately before and after the seminar, approximately 3 hours apart. Survey questions included demographics and a series of multiple-choice knowledge questions that were identical at pre- and posttest. Results. Analyses showed that, on average, participants improved their knowledge by 19.7 percentage points from 0.44 to 0.63, or 44.7%. Factors associated with learning using difference scores reve...
The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has spurred the growth of vape shops, but little is known about the retailers who may play an important role in the introduction and dissemination of vape products. In this paper we... more
The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has spurred the growth of vape shops, but little is known about the retailers who may play an important role in the introduction and dissemination of vape products. In this paper we examine how retailers profile their customers and their perceptions of vaping, and the services their shops provide. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of retailers (n=77) located across southern California. Open-ended questions were coded and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Three themes emerged from the content analysis: who vapes, why people vape, and the vape shop environment. Retailers profiled customers as friendly, health conscious, and interested in tobacco cessation or cessation maintenance. Retailers believed e-cigarettes were used recreationally or as products that help curb other addictive behaviors. While most retailers reported positive experiences with vaping, some reported potentially negati...
Secondhand and third hand smoke (SHS, THS) exposure is prevalent in multi-unit housing (MUH). Minorities and low-income MUH residents are disproportionally exposed to SHS and THS compared to other populations. This study describes the... more
Secondhand and third hand smoke (SHS, THS) exposure is prevalent in multi-unit housing (MUH). Minorities and low-income MUH residents are disproportionally exposed to SHS and THS compared to other populations. This study describes the characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to SHS, THS and marijuana smoke exposure (MSHS) of a sample of Hispanic tenants in randomly selected MUH units in eastern metro Los Angeles (n = 402). Although most participants (97%) banned smoking inside their homes, 80% reported infiltration of SHS inside their apartments within the last year. Most (85%) favored a complete ban on smoking in apartment buildings. Twenty-eight percent did not know that marijuana (MSHS) smoke exposure is also harmful to their health. Knowledge scores were higher among Spanish-speakers (p < 0.05). Given the interpersonal barriers to advocating for change, widespread policy and communication interventions are also necessary to protect Hispanic MUH residents&#...
Research Interests:
This study examined directionality between personal (i.e., coherence and confusion) and cultural identity (i.e., ethnic and U.S.) as well as their additive effects on psychosocial functioning in a sample of recently immigrated Hispanic... more
This study examined directionality between personal (i.e., coherence and confusion) and cultural identity (i.e., ethnic and U.S.) as well as their additive effects on psychosocial functioning in a sample of recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents. The sample consisted of 302 recent (<5 years) immigrant Hispanic adolescents (53% boys; Mage = 14.51 years at baseline; SD = .88 years) from Miami and Los Angeles who participated in a longitudinal study. Results indicated a bidirectional relationship between personal identity coherence and both ethnic and U.S. identity. Ethnic and U.S. affirmation/commitment (A/C) positively and indirectly predicted optimism and negatively predicted rule breaking and aggression through coherence. However, confusion predicted lower self-esteem and optimism and higher depressive symptoms, rule breaking, unprotected sex, and cigarette use. Results further indicated significant site differences. In Los Angeles (but not Miami), ethnic A/C also negatively p...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The present study was designed to examine trajectories of personal identity coherence and confusion among Hispanic recent-immigrant adolescents, as well as the effects of these trajectories on psychosocial and risk-taking outcomes.... more
The present study was designed to examine trajectories of personal identity coherence and confusion among Hispanic recent-immigrant adolescents, as well as the effects of these trajectories on psychosocial and risk-taking outcomes. Personal identity is extremely important in anchoring young immigrants during a time of acute cultural change. A sample of 302 recently immigrated (5 years or less in the United States at baseline) Hispanic adolescents (Mage = 14.51 years at baseline; SD = 0.88 years, range 14-17) from Miami and Los Angeles (47 % girls) completed measures of personal identity coherence and confusion at the first five waves of a six-wave longitudinal study; and reported on positive psychosocial functioning, depressive symptoms, and externalizing problems at baseline and at Time 6. Results indicated that identity coherence increased linearly across time, but that there were no significant changes in confusion over time and no individual differences in confusion trajectories. Higher baseline levels of, and improvements in, coherence predicted higher levels of self-esteem, optimism, and prosocial behavior at the final study timepoint. Higher baseline levels of confusion predicted lower self-esteem, greater depressive symptoms, more aggressive behavior, and more rule breaking at the final study timepoint. These results are discussed in terms of the importance of personal identity for Hispanic immigrant adolescents, and in terms of implications for intervention.