Assessing the Impact of Family Status, Family Cohesion, and Acculturation on Youth Violence Among Immigrant Latinos

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Latino youth violence is an emerging public health concern. The objective is to assess the impact of family status, family cohesion, and acculturation on youth violence among Latino immigrants in Langley Park, MD compared with a control community in Culmore, VA. Methods: Constructs were generated from survey questions to represent family support and cohesion, acculturation, and youth violence. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were modeled to evaluate the relationships between family support and cohesion, acculturation, and violence, after adjusting for confounders. Results: After controlling for covariates, family support consistently reduced victimization (PE = ‐0.02, SE = 0.01, t = ‐2.64, p‐value = 0.0085); increased non‐violence attitudes and beliefs (PE = 0.32, SE = 0.05, t = 6.17, p‐value = Conclusions: Family support is associated with reduced violence engagement and risk behaviors among Latino youth. Results will inform the development and implementation of future youth violence prevention programs among ethnic minorities and immigrants

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