Exploring Latinidad, Migration Processes, and Immigrant Experiences: Experiences Influencing Latino Health

Introduction Over the last few decades, Latino migration to the U.S.has re-shaped the ethnic composition of the country, and influencedthe meaning of “ethnic” and “racial” identity. The purpose of thisqualitative study was to explore the definition and meaning of beingLatino and how this may guide the development of interventions topromote their health. Methods Twenty-six Latino immigrants living in Kansas completeda socio-demographic survey and semi-structured interviews to assessand explore personal immigration experiences and perspectives onthe meaning of being Latino in the U.S. Results Participant reports were grouped into eight themes on Latinoidentity that were organized by geographic origin, family roots/ties,and acculturation. Immigration experiences were described as bothpositive and negative with most participants experiencing discriminationand loneliness, but also reports of improved quality of life.Further, most participants reported a strong sense of Latinidad; thatLatino immigrant communities in the U.S. are interdependent andsupportive of each other. Conclusions The experience of being a member of a minority groupmight contribute to the development of a cohesive sense of Latinoidentity as participants acculturate to the U.S. while preserving asense of attachment to their culture of origin. Future interventionsshould be sensitive to migration experiences as they might influencechanges in health behaviors.