A RESEARCH AGENDA FOR HEALTH-EDUCATION AMONG UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS

This article summarizes the outcome of health education efforts among populations that, due to their cultural heritage, have received limite d services. The literature reviewed shows that programs found to be ef fective in one population cannot be assumed to be equally effective wi th a different population. An argument is made for the design of cultu rally appropriate and group-specific interventions which would properl y serve the various underserved populations. Research needs to be cond ucted to identify appropriate approaches and intervention strategies, as well as the group-specific sociopsychological characteristics (atti tudes, norms, values, expectancies) that are related to health-damagin g and protective behaviors.