- Conceptual Development. To utilize a new theoretically grounded conceptual framework that is strategically oriented to advance research on health disparities among Mexican-American populations living in the unique physical and cultural environment that comprises the U.S.-Mexican border.
- Research Foundation. To apply this conceptual framework in two strategically-positioned foundational studies that will inform the development of future research priorities within the P20 Center. The two foundational studies that are proposed are purposefully and instrumentally distinct: In Study 1 (A Household Survey To Explore Health Disparity Domains on the US-Mexico Border – Appendix N), we will use a population-based survey to develop a comprehensive description of the distinctive health related characteristics of the Mexican-Americans living in the border environment, including high risk behavioral practices, levels of engagement in health-seeking, and potential barriers to and pathways for situating health services interventions. In Study 2 (ARV Adoption & Adherence in a US-Mexico Border Community-Based Clinic – Appendix O), we use an ethnographic approach to assess the complex socio-cultural issues that condition adoption of and adherence to ARV treatment among Mexican-Americans living in the border environment. The two studies will yield contrasting but complementary types of information, the first providing data on the frequency, distribution, and behavioral correlates of behavioral risk and poor health outcomes, and the second serving as a quasi-case study of the way in which the border environment (including socio-cultural factors) conditions health behavior among Mexican-Americans.
- Targeted Pilot Studies & Research Training for Minority Researchers. To develop a center-based RFA that will provide a mechanism for distributing resources to young and minority investigators for pilot research on targeted issues identified in and through the data that emerge from Study 1 (Appendix N) and Study 2 (Appendix O). This will further extend our understanding of behavioral health in the border environment while simultaneously enhancing the technical skills and professional development of our research teams. Activities will include a) development and implementation of a research training/educational plan designed primarily for minority faculty and students; b) development and implementation of a plan for recruiting and mentoring primarily minority students interested in seeking careers as Hispanic-American health disparities researchers; and c) development and implementation of a research practicum that will provide for supervised practical training in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research related to health disparities among Mexican-American border populations.
- Research to Practice Dissemination. To translate knowledge, skills, and experience derived from Aims 1, 2, and 3 for the purpose of identifying research priorities, particularly those within the health services arena that offer strategic advantage in reducing health disparities in the U.S.-Mexico Border region.
