Deborah Parra-Medina
Biographic Data
| ID | 4087727 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Deborah Parra-Medina |
| GIVEN NAMES | Deborah |
| FAMILY NAME | Parra-Medina |
| SIGNATURE | PARRA-MEDINA D |
| AFFILIATIONS | The University of Texas at Austin |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-5505-524X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 32 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 119 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 32 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2001 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Can Social Work Interventions Improve Perinatal Mental Health Outcomes? A Systematic Review
Longitudinal Relationships Between Parental Support and Physical Activity Behavior Among Hispanic Children With Overweight/Obesity
Childhood obesity disproportionately affects Hispanic children in the United States, with physical inactivity as a major contributor. Hispanic culture emphasizes family ties, positioning parents as key influencers of children’s physical activity (PA). Emerging evidence suggest that children’s PA may shape parental behaviors, such as parents’ provision of support for PA and engagement in PA alongside their child. This study examined bi-directional…
A conceptual model for co‐developing a culturally tailored intervention for Latina immigrant caregivers of children with disabilities
The growing diversity of the U.S. population, partly due to immigration, has called attention to scholars and practitioners to attend to immigrants' cultural beliefs, values, and ways of doing when designing interventions to promote health and wellbeing. In this paper, we propose a contextual and dynamic model for co‐developing a culturally tailored intervention with the community to advance equity and empowerment of Latinx immigrant caregivers o…
The Role of Perceived Neighborhood Factors and the Built Environment on Depression and Stress Among Latinas on US‐Mexico Border
Neighborhood factors and the built environment (e.g., sidewalks, bike lanes and public transportation) are important social determinants of mental health. Yet scarce research explores their impact on Latinx mental health in Colonias (unincorporated, rural communities with limited access to basic utilities like water and electricity) along the U.S.‐Mexico border. Secondary analysis of baseline data from a promotora‐led, physical activity intervent…
Barriers and Facilitators of Colonoscopy Screening Among Latino Men in a Colorectal Cancer Screening Promotion Program
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among Latino men in the United States, yet they have low screening rates. This study explored barriers and facilitators of colonoscopy screening among Latino participants in a CRC screening promotion program. Six focus groups were conducted, in Spanish, with 45 Latino men, of which 28 had received and 17 had not received a colonoscopy. Analysis of the discussion transcripts ident…
Miranos! An 8-Month Comprehensive Preschool Obesity Prevention Program in Low-Income Latino Children
Organized childcare is an ideal setting to promote gross motor development in young children from low-income minority families. A three-group clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted in Head Start centers serving low-income Latino children to evaluate the impact of an 8-month comprehensive obesity-prevention intervention on children's percentile scores for locomotive skills (LS pctl) and ball skills (BS pctl), and general motor quotien…
Míranos! a comprehensive preschool obesity prevention programme in low-income Latino children
Objective: To test a culturally tailored obesity prevention intervention in low-income, minority preschool age children. Design: A three-group clustered randomised controlled trial. Setting: Twelve Head Start centres were randomly assigned to a centre-based intervention, a combined centre- and home-based intervention, or control using a 1:1:1 ratio. The centre-based intervention modified centre physical activity and nutrition policies, staff prac…
A qualitative descriptive study of providers’ perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccine administration among Latino/a adolescents in South Texas clinics
These 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/…
Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Adherence among Latino/a Adolescents in a Rural, Texas-Mexico Border County
Findings indicate a relationship between Hispanic adolescents' receiving the required vaccine series for school admission and HPV vaccine initiation and completion. In resource-limited settings like federally qualified health centers, further efforts should focus on implementing best practices at both the provider level (eg, education on bundled vaccine recommendation) and practice-level (eg, outreach and support by trained immunization navigator…
Occupational Stress and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers Serving Socially Vulnerable Populations During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational and personal stressors, mental health indicators, perceived discrimination and help-seeking behaviors among healthcare workers and providers (HCWPs) serving socially vulnerable groups such as immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, homeless individuals, people living in poverty, and other disadvantaged populations in the United States (U.S.) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional des…
Analysis of Latina/o Sociodemographic and Health Data Sets in the United States From 1960 to 2019
Introduction. Prior to 1980, U.S. national demographic and health data collection did not identify individuals of Hispanic/Latina/o heritage as a population group. Post-1990, robust immigration from Latin America (e.g., South America, Central America, Mexico) and subsequent growth in U.S. births, dynamically reconstructed the ethnoracial lines among Latinos from about 20 countries, increasing racial admixture and modifying patterns of health disp…
Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX
In the United States, the Latinx population has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity compared with other ethnicities. Research shows that work-based physical activity interventions have been widely implemented in the non-Latinx population and effectively increase physical activity in the non-Latinx population. In an effort to improve physical activity and reduce obesity among the Latinx population, we conducted 10,000 Steps for 100 Days,…
Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Latinx Caregivers of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world in unprecedented ways. However, populations that have had a history of marginalization have experienced a more profound impact. One such group is Latinx families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Unites States. In this study, we used a mixed methods approach to explore the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Latinx caregivers of c…
Impact of Covid-19 on Latinos
The purpose of this scoping review of the literature was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the living conditions of Latinos (Hispanics) in the U.S. from a social determinants of health perspective. We developed a conceptual model based on the social determinants of health framework to guide the search, extraction, analysis, and interpretation of the bibliographic material. A systematic review of peer reviewed literature published …
Longitudinal profiles of acculturation and developmental outcomes among Mexican‐origin adolescents from immigrant families
Prior studies investigating the association between acculturation and adolescent adjustment have often focused on specific acculturation domains rather than examining these domains collectively in a profile typology. Here, we investigate stability and change patterns in Mexican American adolescent acculturation profiles over time, using a two-wave longitudinal dataset spanning 5 years. Using latent profile analysis, three adolescent acculturation…
A high price paid”
Physical activity change after a promotora-led intervention in low-income Mexican American women residing in South Texas
NCT02046343
The Association Between Acculturation and Parental Feeding Practices in Families With Overweight and Obese Hispanic/Latino Children
This study examines the association between acculturation and parental feeding practices in low-income Latinos. Overweight/obese children (N = 117), aged 5 to 14 years, and their parents were recruited from a rural health clinic. Findings show that more acculturated parents have greater control over their child's eating behavior (P = .04). Parents who perceive their child as having a weight problem also have more control over their child's eating…
Profiles of Language Brokering Experiences and Contextual Stressors
Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation and Completion Among Latino Mothers of 11- to 17-Year-Old Daughters Living Along the Texas-Mexico Border
Few Texas Latino girls initiate and complete the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, but few studies have examined predictors of initiation and completion in this group. Mothers are crucial to vaccine uptake. Using self-reported data from mothers of unvaccinated girls (n = 317), we examined the association between predictors (HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, vaccine self-efficacy) and outcomes (initiation and completion). Despite an increase…
Picture This
Hispanic girls are burdened with high levels of obesity and are less active than the general adolescent population, highlighting the need for creative strategies developed with community input to improve physical activity behaviors. Involving girls, parents, and the community in the intervention planning process may improve uptake and maintenance of physical activity. The purpose of this article was to describe how we engaged adolescent girls as …
Results of the Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle Trial
Objectives. We evaluated a theory-based lifestyle intervention targeting physical activity and dietary fat intake among African American women at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods. The Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle trial (2005–2008) randomly assigned 266 low-income African American women aged 35 years and older who were patients of South Carolina community health care centers into comprehensive or standard care inter…
Health Communication in the Latino Community
With reference to the Communication-Persuasion model, we describe various research issues and challenges when considering the health of Latinos, and implications for designing and evaluating health communication and behavior change efforts in this population. Latinos, collectively the nation's largest minority group, vary substantially in terms of socioeconomic and legal status, their country of origin and the extent of ongoing contact with that …
Societal images of youth
In this paper, the authors explore representations and interpretations of images of youth that surfaced in discussions with groups of adolescents in four community youth organizations. As part of a larger multi‐method study, adolescents created photo‐essays on the theme ‘Youth Making a Difference in the Community.’ These projects then served as triggers for small‐group discussions around the product and meaning of the exercise. In the analysis of…
Toward a Critical Social Theory of Youth Empowerment
This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing betwee…
Toward a Critical Social Theory of Youth Empowerment
This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing betwee…
Profiles of Language Brokering Experiences and Contextual Stressors
Societal images of youth
In this paper, the authors explore representations and interpretations of images of youth that surfaced in discussions with groups of adolescents in four community youth organizations. As part of a larger multi‐method study, adolescents created photo‐essays on the theme ‘Youth Making a Difference in the Community.’ These projects then served as triggers for small‐group discussions around the product and meaning of the exercise. In the analysis of…
Longitudinal profiles of acculturation and developmental outcomes among Mexican‐origin adolescents from immigrant families
Prior studies investigating the association between acculturation and adolescent adjustment have often focused on specific acculturation domains rather than examining these domains collectively in a profile typology. Here, we investigate stability and change patterns in Mexican American adolescent acculturation profiles over time, using a two-wave longitudinal dataset spanning 5 years. Using latent profile analysis, three adolescent acculturation…
Impact of Covid-19 on Latinos
The purpose of this scoping review of the literature was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the living conditions of Latinos (Hispanics) in the U.S. from a social determinants of health perspective. We developed a conceptual model based on the social determinants of health framework to guide the search, extraction, analysis, and interpretation of the bibliographic material. A systematic review of peer reviewed literature published …
A conceptual model for co‐developing a culturally tailored intervention for Latina immigrant caregivers of children with disabilities
The growing diversity of the U.S. population, partly due to immigration, has called attention to scholars and practitioners to attend to immigrants' cultural beliefs, values, and ways of doing when designing interventions to promote health and wellbeing. In this paper, we propose a contextual and dynamic model for co‐developing a culturally tailored intervention with the community to advance equity and empowerment of Latinx immigrant caregivers o…
Results of the Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle Trial
Objectives. We evaluated a theory-based lifestyle intervention targeting physical activity and dietary fat intake among African American women at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods. The Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle trial (2005–2008) randomly assigned 266 low-income African American women aged 35 years and older who were patients of South Carolina community health care centers into comprehensive or standard care inter…
Pounds Off With Empowerment (Power)
Objectives. We evaluated lifestyle interventions for diabetic persons who live in rural communities. Methods. We conducted a 12-month randomized clinical trial (n = 152) of “intensive-lifestyle” (modeled after the NIH Diabetes Prevention Program) and “reimbursable-lifestyle” (intensive-lifestyle intervention delivered in the time allotted for Medicare reimbursement for diabetes education related to nutrition and physical activity) interventions w…
Pilot Study of Strategies for Effective Weight Management in Type 2 Diabetes
This pilot test effort focused on weight management strategies for individuals with type 2 diabetes living in rural, medically under-served communities. Randomly selected patients from the diabetes registry of a federally funded primary care practice in a rural community were randomized to one of two 8-week interventions: intensive lifestyle (reduced fat and calorie intake and increased activity) or intensive lifestyle plus ongoing formal evaluat…
Covariations of Adolescent Weight-control, Health-risk and Health-promoting Behaviors
Results have relevance for developing multicomponent programs for adolescents
Pounds Off With Empowerment (Power)
Objectives. We evaluated lifestyle interventions for diabetic persons who live in rural communities. Methods. We conducted a 12-month randomized clinical trial (n = 152) of “intensive-lifestyle” (modeled after the NIH Diabetes Prevention Program) and “reimbursable-lifestyle” (intensive-lifestyle intervention delivered in the time allotted for Medicare reimbursement for diabetes education related to nutrition and physical activity) interventions w…
Intersectionality and Women’s Health
Scholars and activists working both within and outside the massive health-related machinery of government and the private sector and within and outside communities of color address the same fundamental questions: Why do health disparities exist? Why have they persisted over such a long time? What can be done to significantly reduce or eliminate them?
Predicting Adolescent Risk Behaviors Based on an Ecological Framework and Assets
Taking an ecological approach to the measurement of adolescent health behaviors contributes to our understanding of these risk behaviors
Adult Roles in Community-Based Youth Empowerment Programs
Current literature on community-based youth empowerment programs provides few specific operational descriptions of adult roles. This research addressed that gap by exploring the perspectives and experiences of adults actively engaged with youth empowerment programs. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, field observations, and interactive group discussions with adult program leaders. The following dimensions of adults' work were identif…
Development of Multidimensional Scales to Measure Key Leadersʼ Perceptions of Community Capacity and Organizational Capacity for Teen Pregnancy Prevention
This study discusses the development of scales to measure key leaders' self-reported involvement in community capacity building, perceptions of organizational capacity for teen pregnancy prevention, and the relationship between capacity and teen pregnancy rates. Data were collected from 1,516 key leaders across a rural southern state. Findings indicate that key leaders' perceptions of organizational capacity are related to their involvement in co…
Toward a Critical Social Theory of Youth Empowerment
This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing betwee…
Societal images of youth
In this paper, the authors explore representations and interpretations of images of youth that surfaced in discussions with groups of adolescents in four community youth organizations. As part of a larger multi‐method study, adolescents created photo‐essays on the theme ‘Youth Making a Difference in the Community.’ These projects then served as triggers for small‐group discussions around the product and meaning of the exercise. In the analysis of…
Health Communication in the Latino Community
With reference to the Communication-Persuasion model, we describe various research issues and challenges when considering the health of Latinos, and implications for designing and evaluating health communication and behavior change efforts in this population. Latinos, collectively the nation's largest minority group, vary substantially in terms of socioeconomic and legal status, their country of origin and the extent of ongoing contact with that …
Results of the Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle Trial
Objectives. We evaluated a theory-based lifestyle intervention targeting physical activity and dietary fat intake among African American women at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods. The Heart Healthy and Ethnically Relevant Lifestyle trial (2005–2008) randomly assigned 266 low-income African American women aged 35 years and older who were patients of South Carolina community health care centers into comprehensive or standard care inter…
Picture This
Hispanic girls are burdened with high levels of obesity and are less active than the general adolescent population, highlighting the need for creative strategies developed with community input to improve physical activity behaviors. Involving girls, parents, and the community in the intervention planning process may improve uptake and maintenance of physical activity. The purpose of this article was to describe how we engaged adolescent girls as …
Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation and Completion Among Latino Mothers of 11- to 17-Year-Old Daughters Living Along the Texas-Mexico Border
Few Texas Latino girls initiate and complete the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, but few studies have examined predictors of initiation and completion in this group. Mothers are crucial to vaccine uptake. Using self-reported data from mothers of unvaccinated girls (n = 317), we examined the association between predictors (HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, vaccine self-efficacy) and outcomes (initiation and completion). Despite an increase…
Profiles of Language Brokering Experiences and Contextual Stressors
A high price paid”
Physical activity change after a promotora-led intervention in low-income Mexican American women residing in South Texas
NCT02046343
The Association Between Acculturation and Parental Feeding Practices in Families With Overweight and Obese Hispanic/Latino Children
This study examines the association between acculturation and parental feeding practices in low-income Latinos. Overweight/obese children (N = 117), aged 5 to 14 years, and their parents were recruited from a rural health clinic. Findings show that more acculturated parents have greater control over their child's eating behavior (P = .04). Parents who perceive their child as having a weight problem also have more control over their child's eating…
Occupational Stress and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers Serving Socially Vulnerable Populations During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational and personal stressors, mental health indicators, perceived discrimination and help-seeking behaviors among healthcare workers and providers (HCWPs) serving socially vulnerable groups such as immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, homeless individuals, people living in poverty, and other disadvantaged populations in the United States (U.S.) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional des…
Analysis of Latina/o Sociodemographic and Health Data Sets in the United States From 1960 to 2019
Introduction. Prior to 1980, U.S. national demographic and health data collection did not identify individuals of Hispanic/Latina/o heritage as a population group. Post-1990, robust immigration from Latin America (e.g., South America, Central America, Mexico) and subsequent growth in U.S. births, dynamically reconstructed the ethnoracial lines among Latinos from about 20 countries, increasing racial admixture and modifying patterns of health disp…
Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX
In the United States, the Latinx population has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity compared with other ethnicities. Research shows that work-based physical activity interventions have been widely implemented in the non-Latinx population and effectively increase physical activity in the non-Latinx population. In an effort to improve physical activity and reduce obesity among the Latinx population, we conducted 10,000 Steps for 100 Days,…
Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Latinx Caregivers of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world in unprecedented ways. However, populations that have had a history of marginalization have experienced a more profound impact. One such group is Latinx families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Unites States. In this study, we used a mixed methods approach to explore the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Latinx caregivers of c…
Impact of Covid-19 on Latinos
The purpose of this scoping review of the literature was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the living conditions of Latinos (Hispanics) in the U.S. from a social determinants of health perspective. We developed a conceptual model based on the social determinants of health framework to guide the search, extraction, analysis, and interpretation of the bibliographic material. A systematic review of peer reviewed literature published …
Longitudinal profiles of acculturation and developmental outcomes among Mexican‐origin adolescents from immigrant families
Prior studies investigating the association between acculturation and adolescent adjustment have often focused on specific acculturation domains rather than examining these domains collectively in a profile typology. Here, we investigate stability and change patterns in Mexican American adolescent acculturation profiles over time, using a two-wave longitudinal dataset spanning 5 years. Using latent profile analysis, three adolescent acculturation…
A qualitative descriptive study of providers’ perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccine administration among Latino/a adolescents in South Texas clinics
These 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/…
Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Adherence among Latino/a Adolescents in a Rural, Texas-Mexico Border County
Findings indicate a relationship between Hispanic adolescents' receiving the required vaccine series for school admission and HPV vaccine initiation and completion. In resource-limited settings like federally qualified health centers, further efforts should focus on implementing best practices at both the provider level (eg, education on bundled vaccine recommendation) and practice-level (eg, outreach and support by trained immunization navigator…
Medicine (24 works) · Psychology (22 works) · Sociology (13 works) · Gerontology (12 works) · Nursing (11 works) · Demography (10 works) · Environmental health (10 works) · Political science (10 works) · Demography (8 works) · Developmental psychology (8 works)