VIOLENCE AND LATINO YOUTH - PREVENTION AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES

Latino communities bear a disproportionate share of violence-related m orbidity and mortality, yet little attention has been given to ethnic- cultural differences and their implications for violence prevention re search and health promotion efforts. To date, much of what is known ab out violence among Latinos is based on regional homicide studies. Litt le formal data exist that assess and substantiate what is known about Latino cultures and their implications for the study of all aspects of violence, particularly prevention. This paper presents an overview of the scope of homicide and intentional injuries in Latino communities, reviews risk factors for intentional injuries, and discusses the impl ications of ethnic-specific factors for violence prevention and resear ch efforts. Data collection and methodological issues and their implic ations for violence prevention research and health promotion efforts a mong Latino populations are specifically addressed.