This infographic highlights salient information regarding the Latinx population in Washington state. A particular focus is on health considerations, outcomes, and related demographic realities. All figures presented precede the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in WA.
Archives: Research
Access to Labor and Industries Services Among Latino Workers in Central Washington
In collaboration with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), this project seeks to identify the strengths and the barriers to accessing workers’ compensation experienced by Latino workers residing in Central Washington. Previous research suggests an underutilization of L&I services by Latino workers in the state as well as differential patterns of outcomes for injured Latino workers. Through a series of 25-30 key informant interviews with Latino workers, providers, community advocates, and attorneys, this project will shed light on the Latino worker’s experience in an effort to inform practices and policies that are culturally responsive to promote the well-being of rural Latinos.
Innovative Telephone-based Mental Health Treatment for Rural Latinos with Depression
In a previous National Institute of Minority Health (NIMH) funded randomized pilot study conducted in partnership with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Dr. Aisenberg and colleagues demonstrated the effectiveness of a manualized, 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by telephone to rural Latino adults struggling with depression. Because it was delivered by phone in English and Spanish languages and available beyond traditional clinic hours, this intervention addressed several barriers to accessing care: lack of transportation, stigma, language barrier, and the difficulty to come to the clinic due to work responsibilities.
Now, Dr. Aisenberg, in partnership with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic Heritage University and the Latino Center for Health, has developed a ground-breaking specialized curriculum and training program for paraprofessionals to effectively deliver this evidenced-based and culturally tailored CBT for rural Latinx experiencing depression. Four cohorts of bachelor-level social work students at Heritage University have been trained and supervised to deliver by phone this manualized CBT depression treatment to rural Latinos via telephone. Findings reveal that they are very effective in reducing the depressive symptoms of depressed Latinx adults. For example, the mean score of clients using the PHQ-9 screener for depression was 13. A cut-off score of 10 or above indicates moderate depression. Following treatment, the clients’ mean PHQ-9 score was 3.
Here are a few client comments:
“This program really helped me. I feel better than before.”
“One thing I liked or enjoyed about the program was that the sessions were when it was convenient for me and I didn’t have to leave the house.”
“I started having symptoms like before, but I was able to use what I learned and didn’t let my symptoms get the better of me.”
“This program is valuable, and I hope that more people can take advantage of it like me.”
This program is the first in the country to train non-degreed Latinx students to effectively deliver evidence-based, culturally tailored, telephone-based depression care to rural Latinx adults. In doing so, this program is expanding the Latinx workforce and helping address the shortage of trained bilingual and bicultural rural Latinx mental health practitioners by providing a clear and needed pathway for workforce development in the field of mental health. In addition, it provides a cost-effective manner to treat Latinx adults in their preferred manner. Active ongoing adaptive engagement is imperative to promote client engagement among BIPOC participants in mental health treatment interventions, and critical to representative progress towards health equity.
Developing Technology to Support Family Caregivers of Latinos with Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Ramirez’s K12 research study will leverage the existing infrastructure of an ongoing research study led by Dr. Robert Penfold at Kaiser Permanente Washington. The study is testing an evidence-based program that provides digital and self-directed educational materials to family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The digital training materials teach family caregivers how to manage the mood and behavior challenges of their loved ones with ADRD. The aims of Dr. Ramirez’s K12 study are to: (1) specify family caregiver requirements for the design of the digital training materials, (2) examine how to adapt the digital training materials to be culturally and linguistically appropriate for Latino family caregivers, and (3) assess family caregiver perceptions of the ease-of-use and usefulness of the digital training materials and how these perceptions influence acceptance of the program.
Washington State Latino Physician Workforce Study
Funded by the Washington State Legislature, this study seeks to (1) identify the number of Latino physicians across the state, (2) describe their practice areas and geographic locations, and (3) develop and disseminate policy recommendations to meet the state’s growing need for Latino physicians. Data from the Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Medical Commission Physician Census will serve as the primary data source for this study. We will use descriptive statistical and geo-spacial methods to estimate the number of practicing Latino physicians in Washington state and to create a profile of Latino physicians including their geographic distribution relative to the state’s Latino population. The study’s results and policy recommendations will be disseminated through a final report to be presented at a 1-day Latino health symposium held at the University of Washington. The symposium will include invited guest speakers, policy makers, university leadership, community advocates, health board representatives, and other stakeholders in an effort to translate the findings into concrete policies.