Latino Adolescents Research Articles

Spanish version of the susceptibility to e-cigarettes scale among Latino adolescents.

1. Gentzke AS, Wang TW, Cornelius M, et al. Tobacco product use and associated factors among middle and high school students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2021. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2022;71(5):1-29. doi:10.15585/mmwr.ss7105a1 CrossRef Google Scholar

Abstract A127: Factors impacting HPV vaccine initiation among English and Spanish speaking parents of Latino adolescents

Abstract Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers disproportionately impact Latinos. While data for English-speaking (ES) and Spanish-speaking (SS) Latinos is usually aggregated, differences in acculturation, sociodemographic characteristics, and health behaviors make it important to understand the factors impacting HPV vaccination among these groups separately. This understanding is crucial to improving HPV vaccination disparities as COVID-19 vaccinations have exacerbated issues of vaccine hesitancy and medical mistrust. Methods: Self-administered online surveys examining HPV vaccine hesitancy in an urban, diverse community with low HPV vaccine uptake were completed by parents of adolescents (N=357) in English or Spanish. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to understand if medical mistrust, vaccine hesitancy, HPV knowledge, healthcare utilization and sociodemographic factors impact adolescent HPV vaccine uptake among ES and SS parents of Latino adolescents ages 12-17. Factors significant at p<.01 in the bivariate analyses were included in multivariable logistic regression models for each group. Results: 136 parents of adolescents aged 12-17 identified as Latino; 56% completed the survey in English and 44% in Spanish. Bivariate analyses found significant associations between decreased HPV vaccine uptake and male parent/caregiver sex, higher HPV vaccine hesitancy, higher HPV knowledge, male adolescent sex, not receiving the flu vaccine and not receiving a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV among ES parents. In SS parents, parents aged 41-50 (compared to <40) and higher medical mistrust were associated with higher HPV vaccination; while male adolescent gender, not receiving TDAP immunization, and not receiving a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV were associated with lower HPV vaccine uptake. Multivariable regression models found that adolescents of ES parents were less likely to have initiated the HPV vaccine series if the parent/caregiver was male (OR=0.07, 95% CI:0.03,1.28), had higher HPV knowledge (OR=0.53, 95% CI:0.29,0.96), and did not receive a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV (OR=0.12, 95% CI:0.003,0.55). SS parents with higher medical mistrust (OR=7.27, 95% CI:1.14,46.41) and those aged 41-50 compared to parents younger than 40 (OR=18.19, 95% CI:0.28,407.78) were more likely to have adolescents who initiated the HPV vaccine series, while those without a provider recommendation to vaccinate had lower odds of HPV vaccine uptake (OR=0.004, 95% CI:<0.01,0.11). Discussion: Aligned with the literature, provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV significantly impacted vaccination behavior among ES and SS parents. Interventions should focus on improving provider recommendations and communications with Latino parents of adolescents. More research should explore the surprising associations between higher medical mistrust and higher odds of HPV vaccination among SS parents, and more HPV knowledge and lower odds of HPV vaccination among ES parents. Citation Format: Bibiana Martinez, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Jennifer Tsui. Factors impacting HPV vaccine initiation among English and Spanish speaking parents of Latino adolescents [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A127.

Psychosocial Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Mexican-Origin Youths: An 8-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youths in the United States. More Latino adolescents report suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors (STBs) than youths of most other ethnic communities. Yet few studies have examined multiple psychosocial predictors of STBs in Latino youths using multiyear longitudinal designs. In this study, we evaluated the progression of STBs in 674 Mexican-origin youths (50% female) from fifth grade (10 years old) to 12th grade (17 years old) and identified psychosocial predictors of changes in STBs across this period. Latent growth curve models revealed that being female and later-generation status were associated with increasing prevalence in STBs across adolescence. Family conflict and peer conflict predicted increased STBs, whereas greater familism predicted less STBs. Thus, interpersonal relationships and cultural values contribute to the development of STBs in Mexican-origin youths and may be key levers for decreasing suicidality in this understudied but rapidly growing portion of the U.S. adolescent population.

Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables: intervention impact of a randomized controlled trial on Latino father and adolescent energy balance-related behaviors

BackgroundStudies have shown associations among food and activity behaviors and body weight of Latino fathers and adolescents. However, few Latino father-focused interventions have been designed to improve energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) and weight status among early adolescents. Thus, this efficacy study aims to evaluate the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables (Padres) youth obesity prevention program for positive changes in EBRBs (fruit, vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), sweet/salty snack, and fast-food consumption, physical activity, and screen time) and weight status among low-income Latino fathers and adolescents (10-14 years).MethodsA two-arm (treatment versus delayed-treatment control group) randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 8 weekly experiential learning sessions (2.5 hours each) based on social cognitive theory. The sessions included food preparation, parenting skills, nutrition, and physical activity. The program was delivered to father-adolescent dyads (mothers were encouraged to attend) in trusted community-based settings in a Midwest metropolitan area between 2017 and 2019. In March 2020, in-person implementation was discontinued due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which limited the sample size. Father/adolescent dyads were randomized to treatment or control group within each site. Surveys and measurements were completed by fathers and adolescents to assess changes in food and activity behaviors from baseline to post-intervention. Adolescents also completed 24-hour dietary recall interviews at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention effects were assessed using linear regression mixed models adjusted for covariates and accounting for clustering of participants within sites.ResultsData from 147 father/adolescent dyads who completed at least the baseline data collection were used. No significant differences were observed for baseline to post-intervention changes in adolescents’ and fathers’ EBRBs or weight status between treatment and control groups. Fathers’ SSB and fast food intakes were not statistically significant (p = 0.067 and p = 0.090, respectively).ConclusionsThe Padres program resulted in no significant improvements in adolescent and father EBRBs and weight status. Additional Latino father-focused interventions are needed to examine intervention effects on EBRBs among Latino adolescents.Trial registrationThe Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables study is registered with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469752 (19/03/2018).

A Dyadic Analysis Exploring the Mediating Role of Relationship Quality on Discrimination and HIV/STI Risk Among Young Black and Latino Expecting Couples.

Encounters with discrimination are a normative experience for many Black and Latino adolescents and young adults (AYAs); these experiences may be even more common for expecting AYAs. While the harmful effects of discriminatory experiences on mental and physical health have been well explored, relatively little is known regarding the impact of discrimination on relationship quality and sexual health-specifically HIV/STI risk.Using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model, we examined both actor and partner effects of discrimination on relationship quality and willingness to be non-monogamous in a sample of 259 pregnant adolescent and young adult couples. There was a significant indirect actor effect, such that one's own discrimination was associated with a decrease in their own relationship quality which, in turn, was associated with their own greater willingness to be non-monogamous. The partner effect for the association of one's partner's discrimination on one's own relationship quality was not significant. Findings highlight the need for more attention to the implications of discrimination on relational and sexual health.

Evaluating the Immediate Impact of Graphic Messages for Vaping Prevention among Black and Latino Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the immediate impact of vaping prevention graphic messages on the susceptibility to future vaping among Black and Latino adolescents (ages 12 to 17). Graphic messages (available in English and Spanish) were developed using participatory research procedures with Black and Latino adolescents. Recruitment was conducted by a team of diverse, bilingual (English and Spanish), trained recruiters. Participants (n = 362) were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 schema to receive one of four graphic messages (health rewards, financial rewards, autonomy, and social norms). Overall, all graphic messages but one showed a slight decrease in the number of participants susceptible to future vaping, though none of these differences was statistically significant. The graphic message on health rewards decreased the number of participants susceptible to future vaping the most (55.7% vs. 50%, at pre- vs. post-viewing, p = 0.125), followed by the graphic messages on social norms and autonomy (55.1% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.687; 55.4% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.435; respectively). The graphic message on financial rewards increased the number of participants susceptible to future vaping slightly (52.7% vs. 53.8%, p = 1.00). Future research is needed to evaluate susceptibility to future vaping before and after exposure to different and/or repeated vaping prevention graphic messages.

Identifying modifiable obesogenic behaviors among Latino adolescents in primary pediatric care

Latino adolescents engage in more obesogenic behaviors, including sedentary behaviors and sugary drink consumption, than White adolescents. However, it is unclear whether engagement in obesogenic behaviors differs within the Latino population. Cross-sectional data were examined from Latino adolescents ages 13–17 with a well-child visit (2016–2019) in an integrated healthcare system. Adolescents self-reported on four daily obesogenic behaviors: 1) consuming < 5 servings of fruits/vegetables; 2) drinking > 1 juice/soda; 3) exercising/playing sports < 60 min; and 4) > 2 h screen time. A composite variable of ≥ 3 self-reported behaviors was constructed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between obesogenic behaviors with age category (13–15 or 16–17 years), sex, household language preference (English/Spanish), neighborhood deprivation index (NDI quartiles), and body mass index (BMI). Among 77,514 Latino adolescents (mean age 14.7 ± 1.4; 50 % female), 23 % lived in Spanish-speaking households, 43 % resided in census tracts with the highest (most deprived) NDI quartile, and 45 % had an overweight or obese BMI. Older (vs younger) adolescents had higher odds of insufficient fruit/vegetable intake (OR 1.20; CI 1.17–1.24), greater sedentary behavior (OR 1.51; 1.46–1.56), and reporting > 2 h screen time (OR 1.07; 1.03–1.11). Adolescents in the 4th (vs 1st) NDI quartile (OR 1.34; 1.26–1.42) and those with obesity (vs healthy weight) (OR 1.55; 1.42–1.70 for class 3 obesity) had higher odds of ≥ 3 obesogenic behaviors. In conclusion, among Latino adolescents, older age, obesity, and living in more deprived neighborhoods were associated with greater obesogenic behaviors. Identifying adolescents more likely to engage in obesogenic behaviors can inform targeted lifestyle interventions.

Somali, Latino, and Hmong Youth Perceptions of School Connectedness.

Purpose:School connectedness positively influences adolescent health outcomes and is a key social determinant of health, yet, contributors to school connectedness for youth from immigrant communities remain poorly defined.Methods:This community-based participatory research study uses thematic analysis to identify contributors to Somali, Latino, and Hmong (SLH) adolescents' school connectedness. We conducted nine focus groups with 71 SLH male and female adolescents, the majority aged 13–18 years, in a United States Midwestern metropolitan area.Results:SLH students described contributors to their school connectedness that fit within three broad themes: (1) SLH students desire to be known and supported by their teachers as individuals, (2) specific teacher instructional approaches reinforce or undermine SLH student–school connections, and (3) transparency and fairness in school disciplinary practices are especially important for promoting Latino student–school connectedness.Conclusion:SLH youth perspectives offer ways for educators to foster increased school connectedness to improve academic and health outcomes among increasingly diverse student populations.

Neighborhood Conditions and Type 2 Diabetes Risk among Latino Adolescents with Obesity in Phoenix.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has reached epidemic levels among the pediatric population. Furthermore, disparities in T2D among youth are distributed in a manner that reflects the social inequality between population sub-groups. Here, we investigated the neighborhood determinants of T2D risk among a sample of Latino adolescents with obesity residing in Phoenix, Arizona (n = 133). In doing so we linked together four separate contextual data sources: the American Community Survey, the United States Department of Agriculture Food Access Research Atlas, the Arizona Healthy Community Map, and the National Neighborhood Data Archive to systematically analyze how and which neighborhood characteristics were associated with T2D risk factors as measured by fasting and 2-h glucose following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Using linear regression models with and without individual/household covariates, we investigated how twenty-two housing and transportation sociodemographic and built and food environment characteristics were independently and jointly associated with T2D risk. The main finding from these analyses was the strong association between the density of fast food restaurants and 2-h glucose values (b = 2.42, p < 0.01). This association was independent of individual, household, and other neighborhood characteristics. Our results contribute to an increasingly robust literature demonstrating the deleterious influence of the neighborhood food environment, especially fast food, for T2D risk among Latino youth.

Proactive and Reactive Recruitment of Black and Latino Adolescents in a Vaping Prevention Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to assesses the effectiveness of proactive and reactive methods in the recruitment of Black and Latino adolescents into a vaping-prevention randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study also assessed the characteristics of study participants by recruitment method. Proactive recruitment strategies included study presentations at community-based events (e.g., festivals, health fairs), school-based events (e.g., back-to-school events, after-school programs), and recreational centers (e.g., fitness centers, malls). Reactive recruitment strategies included study advertisements via social media (e.g., Facebook posts shared by local community-based organizations), word of mouth, and an academic-based research hub. Using proactive and reactive methods, in a 4-month period, 362 Black and Latino adolescents were successfully enrolled into the RCT. Compared to the proactive method, adolescents screened reactively were equally likely to be eligible but significantly more likely to enroll in the study. However, both proactive and reactive strategies made notable contributions to the overall recruitment effort. Moreover, proactive and reactive methods attracted adolescents with different characteristics (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). These findings suggest that both proactive and reactive recruitment strategies should be implemented for studies interested in recruiting a diverse sample of Black and Latino adolescents.

998-P: Association between Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors and Prediabetes among Latino Adolescents with Obesity

Background: Prediabetes disproportionally affects US Latino adolescents. However, it is unclear which characteristics or modifiable lifestyle behaviors captured in the electronic health record (EHR) are associated with prediabetes among Latino adolescents. Addressing this knowledge gap was the objective of this study. Methods: Cross-sectional data was used from 8,946 Latino adolescents ages 13-17 years in northern California with a well-child visit in 2016-20 and BMI ≥95th percentile. Characteristics and modifiable lifestyle behaviors of interest included age, gender, household language preference (English/Spanish) , neighborhood deprivation index (NDI, quartiles) , obesity class and 4 self-reported daily obesogenic behaviors captured during the visit: 1) consuming &amp;lt;5 servings of fruits/vegetables; 2) drinking ≥12 oz juice/soda; 3) exercising for &amp;lt;60 minutes; and 4) &amp;gt;2 hours of screen time. Prediabetes was ascertained within 1 year of the health visit and was classified as HbA1c 5.7-6.4%. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between the variables of interest and prediabetes. Results: Among 8,946 Latino adolescents with obesity, 15.4% had prediabetes. Having class 3 obesity (OR of 2.7; [95% CI: 2.3-3.1], living in a Spanish-speaking household (1.15; 1.0-1.3) and engaging in low exercise (OR 1.12; 0.99-1.3) were all independently associated with increased odds of prediabetes, though exercise was only marginally significant at a p-value &amp;lt;0.1. Age, gender, NDI, and diet were not independently associated with prediabetes. Conclusion: Among Latino adolescents with obesity, 1 in 7 had prediabetes. Our findings suggest that strategies targeting obesity and promotion of physical activity, particularly among adolescents living in Spanish-speaking households, may have the most success in preventing diabetes among Latino adolescents with prediabetes. Disclosure A. Gopalan: None. M. Chandra: None. J.A. Darbinian: None. L. Greenspan: None. J.C. Lo: None. Funding The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) Health Care Delivery and Policy Section Pilot Award. TPMG (Delivery Science Fellowship Program) . Kaiser Permanente Northern California Graduate Medical Education Research Community Benefit Program. National Institutes of Health (T32DK11668401) .

Comparing individually based and family-based treatments for internalizing, externalizing, and family symptoms in Latino youth.

Rigorous randomized trials that test promising culturally centered treatments for Latino youth and families are needed. This study adds to the knowledge base by comparing the efficacy of Culturally Informed and Flexible Family Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) to an Individually Oriented Treatment-As-Usual (ITAU) in its ability to retain Latino youth and families in treatment, reduce internalizing and externalizing child symptoms, and improve family functioning. CIFFTA uses an adaptive/flexible approach to deliver individual therapy, family therapy, and psycho-educational modules tailored to each family's unique clinical and cultural characteristics. Two hundred Latino adolescents 11-14years of age completed a baseline assessment, were randomly assigned to CIFFTA or ITAU, then were assessed again after 16weeks of intervention. Results show that CIFFTA had significantly higher retention (83%) than ITAU (71%), OR=2.05, p=.036. Youth in both conditions showed significant reductions in youth and parent reported externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and there were no differences in change between conditions. Parents in CIFFTA reported significantly greater reductions in family conflict, d=0.38, p=.025 than in ITAU. In CIFFTA, children of less acculturated Latino parents showed more improvement than the children of more acculturated parents. In ITAU, the reverse was true, children of more acculturated parents reported more improvement. This evidence of CIFFTA's impact on retention, family conflict, and differential effect depending on cultural values and behaviors, has important implications for the field of Latino psychology and family treatment.

Plasma concentrations of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants and glucose homeostasis in youth populations

BackgroundExposure to lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is ubiquitous. POPs are metabolic disrupting chemicals and are potentially diabetogenic. MethodsUsing a multi-cohort study including overweight adolescents from the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk (SOLAR, N = 301, 2001–2012) and young adults from the Southern California Children's Health Study (CHS, N = 135, 2014–2018), we examined associations of POPs and risk factors for type 2 diabetes. SOLAR participants underwent annual visits for a median of 2.2 years and CHS participants performed a single visit, during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between plasma concentrations of POPs [4,4′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4′-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), PCBs-153, 138, 118, 180 and PBDEs-154, 153, 100, 85, 47] and changes in glucose homeostasis across age and pubertal stage. ResultsIn SOLAR, exposure to HCB, PCB-118, and PBDE-153 was associated with dysregulated glucose metabolism. For example, each two-fold increase in HCB was associated with approximately 2 mg/dL higher glucose concentrations at 30 min (p = 0.001), 45 min (p = 0.0006), and 60 min (p = 0.03) post glucose challenge. Compared to individuals with low levels of PCB-118, individuals with high levels exhibited a 4.7 mg/dL (p = 0.02) higher glucose concentration at 15 min and a 3.6 mg/dL (p = 0.01) higher glucose concentration at 30 min. The effects observed with exposure to organochlorine compounds were independent of pubertal stages. PBDE-153 was associated with the development of dysregulated glucose metabolism beginning in late puberty. At Tanner stage 4, exposure to PBDE-153 was associated with a 12.7 mg/dL higher 60-min glucose concentration (p = 0.009) and a 16.1 mg*dl−1*hr−1 higher glucose AUC (p = 0.01). These associations persisted at Tanner 5. In CHS, PBDE-153 and total PBDE were associated with similar increases in glucose concentrations. ConclusionOur results suggest that childhood exposure to lipophilic POPs is associated with dysregulated glucose metabolism.

"So, like, it's all a mix of one": Intersecting contexts of adolescents' ethnic-racial socialization.

Cultural-ecological theories posit that ethnic-racial identity (ERI) development is shaped by transactions between contexts of ethnic-racial socialization, yet research considering intersections among multiple contexts is limited. In this study, Black, Latino, White, and Asian American adolescents (N=98; Mage =16.26, SD=1.09; 55.1% female identifying) participated in surveys and focus group discussions (2013-2014) to share insights into ERI development in context. Using consensual qualitative research, results indicated: (a) family ethnic-racial socialization intersects with community-based, peer, media, and school socialization; (b) ethnic-racial socialization occurs outside family through intersections between peer, school, community-based, and media settings; and (c) ethnic-racial socialization is embedded within systems of racial oppression across contexts. Discussion includes implications for future research and interventions supporting youth ERI.

A qualitative descriptive study of providers\u2019 perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccine administration among Latino/a adolescents in South Texas clinics: barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSouth Texas Latinas experience higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to Latinas nationwide. Despite the availability of effective human papillomavirus vaccines, South Texas Latino/a adolescents sub-optimally complete the series. Research shows provider recommendation strongly predicts vaccine uptake, but minority adolescents are less likely to report that their provider recommended the vaccine and series completion. There is also scant information on the HPV vaccine administration process in clinic practices providing vaccination services to Latino adolescents with limited access to healthcare resources. The purpose of the study was to describe providers’ experience with administering the HPV vaccine to Latino/a patients in their practices.MethodsThe study used qualitative description to describe the experience of 15 South Texas healthcare providers (doctors and nurses) with the process of HPV vaccine administration in their practices. We conducted open ended, audio-recorded interviews, which were subsequently transcribed verbatim and uploaded into Atlas.(ti) 7.0 for analysis. The interviews yielded detailed descriptions of barriers and facilitators that could potentially impact HPV vaccine uptake.ResultsProviders identified parental exposure to provider recommendation as enhancing HPV acceptance and existing policies and implementation of evidence-based practices as facilitators of HPV vaccine uptake. Barriers ranged from parental fears of adolescent sexual activity and potential vaccine side effects to lack of transportation and the cost of the vaccine.ConclusionThese findings reflect barriers and facilitators to administering the HPV vaccine previously identified and also highlight issues unique to the situation among Latinos in South Texas. Implications include the need to design and implement efforts to improve provider-parent communication and enhance parental and adolescent patients’ understanding of and confidence in the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, policy changes are needed to rectify organizational/structural challenges to HPV vaccine administration.

Victimization of Sexual Minority Latinx Youth: Results From a National Survey.

Limited previous research has explored the intersectional stress and trauma sexual minority (SM) Latinx youth experience generated by being part of at least two minoritized groups. The Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) study employed a national sample of Latinx youth and queried a range of victimizations in the past year, via a bilingual phone survey. Of the 1525 12-18-year-old youth interviewed for DAVILA, 123 either identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual or had at least one same-sex dating partner. Measures included the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, the Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form, Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Rates of dating violence, psychological dating violence, sexual victimization, and polyvictimization were significantly higher among sexual minority (SM) youth, compared to heterosexual (HET) youth. Victimized SM youth had significantly more depression, anxiety, and hostility than victimized HET youth. Sexual minority youth also reported less social support from family and significant others. A sequential regression showed psychosocial factors of mental health functioning and social support were associated with the number of victimizations above and beyond demographic factors, including SM status. Together these results underscore that SM youth experience greater adverse outcomes than HET youth. However, it is not SM status that directly relates to victimization, but the negative effects of psychological distress and low social support, that account for the higher number of victimizations of SM Latinx youth. These factors are closely linked to the stigmatization that SM youth face. As such efforts to destigmatize SM identities are needed to address the health and safety of SM Latinx youth.

Abstract P148: Modifiable Obesogenic Behaviors Among Latino Adolescents With Suspected Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) disproportionally affects US children of Latino descent, who also have a higher burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We previously found significant associations between diet and sedentary behaviors and weight status, but it is unclear if these measured behaviors are associated with suspected NAFLD among Latino adolescents with obesity, which was the objective of this study. We used cross-sectional data from 10,087 Latino adolescents ages 13-17 years in northern California with a well-child visit in 2016-2019, health behavior assessment, and BMI ≥95th percentile. Adolescents self-reported on 4 daily obesogenic behaviors at the visit: 1) consuming &lt;5 servings of fruits/vegetables; 2) drinking ≥1 juice/soda (12oz); 3) exercising/playing sports for &lt;60 minutes; and 4) &gt;2 hours of screen time. Suspected NAFLD was classified by serum alanine transaminase level ≥44 U/L (girls) and ≥52 U/L (boys). We used logistic regression to examine the associations of obesogenic behaviors with NAFLD, adjusting for age, gender, household language preference (English/Spanish), neighborhood deprivation index (quartiles), and Class 1, 2, and 3 obesity. Among 10,087 Latino adolescents with obesity, 88% (8,877) had ≥1 obesogenic behaviors and 10% (1012) had suspected NAFLD. None of the obesogenic behaviors were associated with NAFLD in unadjusted or adjusted models. Boys (vs girls) had higher odds of NAFLD (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9-2.5), as did older adolescents (ages 16-17 vs 13-15, OR 1.7; 1.5-1.9) and those with more severe obesity (OR 2.2; 1.9-2.5, and OR 3.0; 2.5-3.6 for Class 2 and 3 (vs Class 1) obesity, respectively). In summary, older age, male gender and severe obesity were risk factors for suspected NAFLD while binary assessment of diet and sedentary behaviors were not, suggesting that more precise diet and exercise assessment tools are needed. The high burden of obesogenic behaviors and strong association of severe obesity with NAFLD point to important actionable targets for pediatric primary care.

“She is Always Doing the Work"

Marianismo is a term that refers to the prioritization of Latina mothers in regard to their children and families. In defining as such, this term acknowledges how selfless Latina mothers are. This study utilized an adapted version of Narrative Analysis to explore the insights of Latino adolescent mentees when it comes to their experiences living with a single mother. Specifically, the participants’ narratives included their highly positive relationships with their mothers who exhibit many admirable qualities, they spoke about their varying relationships with their biological fathers, and they also discussed helpful, supportive father figures (i.e., natural mentors) in their lives. The Discussion section relates the study’s findings to Attachment Theory and Social LeMarianismo refers to the prioritization of Latina mothers concerning their children and families. This term acknowledges the selflessness of Latina mothers. This study explored the perceptions of thirteen Latino adolescent participants following their experiences of being raised by a single mother. To study this relationship, an adapted version of Narrative Analysis was used. While the analysis focused on participants’ relationships with their mothers, relationships with their biological fathers and other father figures (i.e., natural mentors) in their lives were explored. The study’s findings are contextualized through the lens of attachment theory, social learning theory, and the relevant literature. This study shines light on the important impact of mothers and natural mentors on the lives of Latino male adolescents. Social workers from varying professional domains who are working with Latino families can take the marianismo cultural value into account in their own interactions and services with their clients. Additionally, just as the Latino adolescents in this study were keenly aware of their mothers’ many positive values, strengths, and contributions to their lives, it is vital for social workers to do the same. arning theory, as well as relevant literature. This study shines light on the great impacts that mothers and natural mentors can have on Latino male adolescents.

Effects of Group-delivered Stress-reduction Guided Imagery on Salivary Cortisol, Salivary Amylase, and Stress Mood in Urban, Predominantly Latino Adolescents.

ObjectivesTo determine acute effects of stress-reduction guided imagery delivered in group format on stress biomarkers salivary cortisol and salivary amylase, and on self-reported stress mood, in healthy, predominantly Latino adolescents.Study Design111 adolescent participants (94% Latino), a subset from a large, randomized controlled lifestyle intervention to improve obesity-related health behaviors, received either 4 weekly lifestyle education sessions (Lifestyle group; LS) or the same weekly lifestyle education sessions plus an additional weekly stress-reduction guided imagery session delivered in group format (Guided imagery group; GI). Salivary cortisol, salivary amylase, and self-reported stress moods were assessed before and after sessions on intervention weeks 3 and 4. Statistics: Linear mixed effects models examined within- and between-session and group differences in pre- to post-session changes.ResultsBoth groups showed decreases in salivary cortisol, 5% decrease in LS group and 32% in GI group (within-group differences all P < .05), with between-group difference in salivary cortisol of moderate size (P = .05; Cohen’s d = .44). Within the GI group alone, salivary cortisol decrease was similar following either the lifestyle or GI sessions (P = .64). There were no statistically significant amylase changes within or between groups. All 5 individual stress moods declined by 27% to 46% in the GI group (all P < .05), while only 1 of the 5 declined in LS group.ConclusionsGroup stress-reduction guided imagery reduces the stress biomarker salivary cortisol, as well as reducing subjective stress mood states, making it a viable modality for large scale stress-reduction interventions.

Racial/ethnic discrimination, cultural mistrust, and psychological maladjustment among Asian American and Latino adolescent language brokers.

Past studies on language brokering have examined how various individual and contextual factors influence the association between language brokering and mental health outcomes, but few studies have assessed how racial/ethnic discrimination or perceptions of how society treats one's racial/ethnic group (i.e., cultural mistrust) affects mental health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine how reports of racial/ethnic discrimination and perceptions of cultural mistrust influence mental health outcomes for adolescent language brokers. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the moderating role of racial/ethnic discrimination and cultural mistrust on the associations between language brokering frequency and depressive and social anxiety symptoms in 1,044 Latino and Asian American adolescents (57.5% female, Mage = 15.12 years, SD = 0.41). Findings indicated that brokering more frequently was associated with more depressive and social anxiety symptoms for youth who reported racial/ethnic discrimination from adults in school and more depressive symptoms for youth who had high levels of cultural mistrust. Differences in racial/ethnic groups were also explored. Our findings suggest that reports of racial/ethnic discrimination and perceptions of cultural mistrust exacerbate psychological challenges among Latino and Asian American adolescent language brokers and highlight the importance of further examining how discrimination influences the psychosocial development of brokering youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).