The Assets and Challenges of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men’s Social Support Networks in Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Miguel Muñoz-Laboy, Omar Martinez, Jeffrey Draine, Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Nicolette Severson, Ethan Levine, Gregory Benjamin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

After being exposed to high-risk environments in correctional facilities, formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) encounter new risks upon reentering their community of residence including drug use and sexual risk behaviors. Families and close social support networks are critical in potentially mitigating the stressors and risks associated with reentry and reducing the likelihood of recidivism. We conducted a study to examine the material and cognitive assets that familial networks can use to provide support to FILM to engage in health-promoting practices. This analysis is based on linear and logistic regression modeling of cross-sectional data collected through a computer-administered survey with dyads of FILM (ages 18–49, who had been in jail or prison within the past 5 years) and their nominated social network (n = 130 dyads). We found that both male and female social supports (MSS and FSS) have significantly higher levels of structural resources (education and employment) than FILM. Though FSS reported higher self-efficacy on health-promoting practices than FILM, contrary to what we predicted, FILM and FSS/MSS reported similar levels of mental health and behavioral risks. Our results suggest a number of limitations in designing family-based intervention strategies, but they also provided insight into the specificities needed to enhance the social support networks of FILM.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)534-546
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Urban Health
Volume95
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2018

Keywords

  • Formerly incarcerated populations
  • HIV prevention
  • Health promoting behaviors
  • Latino health
  • Latino men’s health
  • Men’s health
  • Social support
  • Substance abuse prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Urban Studies
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Assets and Challenges of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men’s Social Support Networks in Promoting Healthy Behaviors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this