Research Article
Issue Date: October 19, 2015
Published Online: October 19, 2015
Updated: June 13, 2018
Developing Occupation-Based Preventive Programs for Late-Middle-Aged Latino Patients in Safety-Net Health Systems
Stacey L. Schepens Niemiec; Mike Carlson; Jenny Martínez; Laura Guzmán; Anish Mahajan; Florence Clark
Author Affiliations
  • Stacey L. Schepens Niemiec, PhD, OTR/L, is Research Assistant Professor, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; schepens@usc.edu
  • Mike Carlson, PhD, is Research Professor, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Jenny Martínez, OTD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Laura Guzmán is Project Assistant, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Anish Mahajan, MD, MS, MPH, is Director of System Planning, Improvement and Data Analytics, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, CA
  • Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, is Professor, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Article Information
Health and Wellness / Health and Wellness
Research Article   |   October 19, 2015
Developing Occupation-Based Preventive Programs for Late-Middle-Aged Latino Patients in Safety-Net Health Systems
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2015, Vol. 69, 6906240010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.015958
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2015, Vol. 69, 6906240010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.015958
Abstract

Latino adults between ages 50 and 60 yr are at high risk for developing chronic conditions that can lead to early disability. We conducted a qualitative pilot study with 11 Latinos in this demographic group to develop a foundational schema for the design of health promotion programs that could be implemented by occupational therapy practitioners in primary care settings for this population. One-on-one interviews addressing routines and activities, health management, and health care utilization were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Results of a content analysis of the qualitative data revealed the following six domains of most concern: Weight Management; Disease Management; Mental Health and Well-Being; Personal Finances; Family, Friends, and Community; and Stress Management. A typology of perceived health-actualizing strategies was derived for each domain. This schema can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to inform the development of health-promotion lifestyle interventions designed specifically for late-middle-aged Latinos.