Current Role at Stanford

Administrative Manager, Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Contact

  • Work
    University - Staff Department: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Position: Administrative Manager

All Publications

  • Pandemics and Vaccines: Perceptions, Reactions, and Lessons Learned from Hard-to-Reach Latinos and the H1N1 Campaign JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE FOR THE POOR AND UNDERSERVED Cassady, D., Castaneda, X., Ruelas, M. R., Vostrejs, M. M., Andrews, T., Osorio, L. 2012; 23 (3): 1106-1122

    Abstract

    This paper examines knowledge, risk perception, and attitudes around the H1N1 pandemic among Latino hard-to-reach (HTR) populations in the United States. Ten focus groups were conducted throughout California (N=90), representing Latino immigrants disproportionately affected by H1N1: farmworkers, indigenous Mexicans, pregnant women, and children. Overall, participants were aware of the H1N1 epidemic and common prevention practices. However, many expressed doubts that the H1N1 outbreak constituted an epidemic because the U.S. media reports of the epidemic in Mexico did not match reports from participants' families in Mexico and because of participants' absence of personal experience with the disease. Participants mistrusted the H1N1 vaccine due to its novelty, conspiracy theories, and inconsistent information. Study findings confirm that vaccination campaign strategies should reflect the diversity of meaning, experiences, and socio-economic realities among target populations. Key findings inform future emergency response activities targeting HTR Latino communities.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000307425800021

    View details for PubMedID 24212163

  • Improving Outreach to At-Risk Latino Populations for Pandemic Influenza and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Osorio, L. Health Initiative of the Americas. University of California, Berkeley. 2011
  • Gender, culture and reproductive decision-making among recent Mexican migrants in California CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY Maternowska, C., Estrada, F., Campero, L., Herrera, C., Brindis, C. D., Vostrejs, M. M. 2010; 12 (1): 29-43

    Abstract

    This study of the experiences of recent Mexican immigrants living in California explores the changing perceptions of sexual and societal norms, including gender roles and resulting reproductive decision-making, that appear to accompany the migration process. These norms are compared to those held by migrants' families of origin in Mexico. We analysed 44 semi-structured interviews conducted with a client-based population in order to identify reproductive perceptions and practices that appear to be influenced by recent migration. Using a grounded theory approach, 26 women and 18 men's narratives were analysed to understand the complexity of changing expectations and resulting reproductive health practises. The social marginalisation and isolation of immigrants' experiences, the challenges of new socio-economic factors and access to health services appear to reshape views on reproductive decisions. While traditional gender roles and large families remain a spoken ideal, in practice these reproductive patterns are changing. Our analysis suggests that the migration process does alter relationships, reproductive decisions and contraceptive use among recent Mexican immigrants. The public health goal should be to provide an array of accessible and affordable services, tailored to the needs of this increasingly larger population of recent Mexican migrants in California and throughout the USA.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/13691050903108688

    View details for Web of Science ID 000277519300003

    View details for PubMedID 19657804

  • Igniting Change! Capacity Building Tools for Safe Motherhood Alliances Russell, N. USAID. 2004