Ethnic differences in adolescents' perceived health status: preliminary findings

Overweight and Perceived Health in Mexican American Children: A Pilot Study in a Central Texas Community

This study assessed actual and perceived health status of overweight Mexican American clients at a central Texas school-based health center in a predominately Hispanic school district. It also explored the participants’ interest in making lifestyle changes to promote a healthy weight. A medical records review indicated that of the Hispanic children between the ages of 7 and 12 years, 38% had a weight status at or above the 85th percentile. Assessments were conducted in a sample of these overweight Mexican American children to learn about their medical history, eating and activity patterns, perceived health and body size, and general health-risk status. Weight-related conditions, such as elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, were found in more than half the sample. Few consumed fruits and vegetables, and many engaged in only sedentary activities. The majority perceived themselves as “big,” wanted to make changes in their body size, and wanted family members to participate in making changes with them. Although most of the sample were in the 97th body mass index percentile, many perceived themselves to be as healthy as or healthier than others. These findings substantiate the need to design and implement a culturally appropriate weight management and obesity prevention program in this community. However, the perception of being healthy in the presence of multiple indicators of poor health may pose challenges to successful intervention.

The Effect of Clinic-Based Health Promotion Education on Perceived Health Status and Health Promotion Behaviors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

More than 70% of children/adolescents diagnosed with cancer are long-term survivors. Little is known about the health perceptions and practices of this population, and limited previous studies have come exclusively from a risk reduction/health protection model rather than a health promotion model. This study was conducted to describe the perceived health status and health-promoting behaviors of adolescent/young adult cancer survivors. This study used Pender’s revised health promotion model; perceived health status and health-promoting behaviors were measured using the General Health Index (GHRI) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). The sample consisted of 60 cancer survivors 2 years after completion of cancer treatment and attending a survivorship clinic. Mean baseline scores for the GHRI (76.66; SD, 10.41) indicate perceived health status is positive and similar to normative (noncancer survivor) adolescent/young adult samples. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between scores on the GHRI and the HPLP-II in this sample (r = 0.03).

Perceptions of mental health among recently immigrated Mexican adolescents

Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are high among Latino adolescents in the U.S., many of whom are immigrants. Immigration during adolescence creates risk factors for mental health problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the health-related perceptions of Mexican-origin immigrant adolescents to inform the design of culturally and developmentally appropriate mental health services. This focused ethnography was guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework and symbolic interactionism. Fourteen adolescents were recruited from two non-health-based community settings. Data from one-to-one semi-structured interviews and a visual narrative project were coded and analyzed inductively. Three thematic patterns were identified: "mentally healthy," "mentally unhealthy," and "health promotion." Increased awareness of cultural influences and immigration on Latino adolescents' mental health is needed. Mental health nurses are in a unique position to educate and to influence accessibility of services.

Relationships of sexual abuse, connectedness, and loneliness to perceived well-being in homeless youth

ISSUES AND PURPOSE

To describe respondents' perceptions of connectedness, loneliness, and well-being; and to explore relationships among these variables.

DESIGN AND METHOD

Survey data from 96 participants, focus group interviews with 32 participants, and 10 individual interviews were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of the sample reported sexual abuse, which was significantly related to loneliness and inversely related to connectedness and perceived well-being. Subjects felt lonely and disconnected. They perceived their well-being in terms of current health status.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

High rates of sexual abuse, lack of connectedness, and loneliness may help to explain poor perceived well-being in homeless youth.

International students' perceptions of health care

International students are coming to the United States in increasing numbers to study in the independent school setting. Compared with the general student population, fewer international students seek nursing intervention or medical attention for common illnesses and ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine barriers, real or perceived, that impede international students in high schools from seeking and utilizing health services that are available to them in the school setting. This qualitative study used Leininger's cultural care and universality theory. Self-contained focus groups were used to collect data that provided insight into attitudes, perceptions, and opinions as they relate to health care services, practices, and beliefs. Nursing implications include incorporation of culturally appropriate nursing care and the expansion of nursing practice to include traditional homeland remedies and medications in the treatment of international students in the school setting.