Publications by Colleges and Departments (MSU - Bozeman)
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Item “Because We Are Afraid”: voices of the undocumented in a new immigrant destination in the United States(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-04) Metcalf, Madeline; Comey, Danika; Hines, Deborah; Chavez-Reyes, Genesis; Moyce, SallyThe purpose of this study is to explore immigrants’ perceptions of their daily lives in a state with anti-immigrant policies in the United States. Using snowball sampling, researchers recruited a sample of 30 Latino immigrants in southwest Montana. The research team conducted semi-structured interviews in Spanish and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. We identified four themes: difficulty accessing healthcare, frustration over the inability to obtain driver’s licenses, challenges related to employment, and desire to make a life in Montana. Fear permeated all topics. Lack of documentation presents complex economic, health, and social challenges that prevent immigrants from fully integrating into their communities. These are exacerbated in states that employ anti-immigrant policies. As Western states continue to experience growth in immigrant populations, it is critical to develop policies to support integration and equitable access to health and social services.Item Using the social ecological model to identify challenges facing Latino immigrants(Wiley, 2023-05) Moyce, Sally; Comey, Danika; Anderson, Jacey; Creitz, Adam; Hines, Deborah; Metcalf, MadelineBackground. New Latino immigrant populations face challenges and barriers when arriving in new immigrant destinations. Objective. To better understand the challenges faced by Latino immigrants in a new immigrant destination by using the Social Ecological Model. Design. This study solicited the perceptions of key informants and Latino immigrant participants through qualitative data collection methods to understand how to address and decrease barriers to healthcare services and community resources. Sample. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with two groups of respondents: 13 key informants and 30 Latino immigrants. Measurements. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and categorized based on the Social Ecological Model. Results. Themes identified at the individual and interpersonal levels of the Social Ecological Model include fear of deportation and stress. Themes at the community level include cultural differences, discrimination, and a lack of exposure of the majority community to Latino immigrants. At the system level, researchers identified language barriers, the cost of healthcare, and housing. At the policy level, researchers identified legal status and occupational exploitation as challenges for this community. Conclusion. Understanding the challenges faced by Latino immigrants requires multi-level interventions to address barriers that prevent new immigrants from accessing community resources.Item Rural Hispanic Perceptions of Mental Health: A Qualitative Study(SAGE Publications, 2022-01) Moyce, Sally; Thompson, Sophia; Metcalf, Madeline; Velazquez, Maria; Aghbashian, Elizabeth; Sisson, Nathaniel; Claudio, DavidIntroduction: In 2020, 18.4% of Hispanics experienced mental illness, yet only about a third received treatment compared with nearly half of non-Hispanic Whites. In Montana, where only 11% of the mental health needs are currently met, service utilization is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the Hispanic immigrant population in a rural state on mental health and professional service utilization. Methods: Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews in Spanish. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed for themes. Results: We recruited a sample of 14 participants from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela ranging in age from 33 to 59. We identified five themes: definitions of mental health, maintaining mental health, familismo/socialization, stigma, and acculturation stress. Discussion: Novel findings point to the need for Spanish-language services focused on reducing stigma around mental illness and incorporating the importance of social connections.Item Exploring a rural Latino community’s perception of the COVID-19 pandemic(Informa UK Limited, 2020-10) Moyce, Sally; Velazquez, Maria; Claudio, David; Thompson, Sophia; Metcalf, Madeline; Aghbashian, Elizabeth; Vanderwood, Karl; Sisson, NathanielObjectives The purpose of our study was to understand the perception of the Latino community in a rural state regarding COVID-19. Over one third of national COVID-19 cases are among Latinos, likely due to an increased prevalence of comorbid risk factors and social determinants of health that make following precautions difficult. Design Respondents were recruited using snowball sampling as part of a previous effort to establish an academic-community partnership with Latinos in the area. In April 2020, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews in Spanish with participants over the phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into Spanish, and translated to English. We employed the framework approach in a thematic analysis using NVivo 12. Results Common themes were a wariness of news appearing on social media, generalized worry, and the use of natural medicines to maintain health. Respondents followed recommended guidelines to protect their own health, though expressed concern that members of their community were not. Conclusions We offer insights into the perception of Latinos of the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural state. Our findings may influence communication techniques of local health departments and offer a way to understand how this often-overlooked community deals with the pandemic.