Immigrant Wellbeing Project Study Protocol: Addressing the Socio-Structural Determinants of Latinx Immigrant Mental...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Latinx immigrants face significant mental health disparities.
• Existing efforts require multilevel, integrated interventions for sustainable impact.
• A transdisciplinary ecological approach is needed to address complex social determinants of health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a multilevel, community-based intervention (Immigrant Wellbeing Project - IWP) for Latinx immigrants.
• To reduce psychological distress and increase protective factors among Latinx immigrants.
• To achieve system-level changes in policies and practices impacting immigrant well-being.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative data from 60 participants over 12 months.
• Adaptation and integration of a 6-month intervention into community partner organizations.
• Exploration of mediating relationships between protective factors and distress, and examination of community partnership quality.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is designed to evaluate the impact of the IWP intervention.
• Qualitative data will assess feasibility, acceptability, and participant experiences.
• Quantitative data will measure changes in psychological distress, protective factors, and system-level outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The IWP study protocol advances the science of multilevel interventions and health equity.
• Findings will inform the development of sustainable, community-integrated mental health solutions for immigrant populations.
• The research design addresses the complex interplay of individual, community, and systemic factors influencing immigrant well-being.