A sense of community among immigrant Latinas

Immigration can mean an escape from economic deprivation and hope for a better future, yet it can also lead to the loss of social networks, family, and community ties. The purpose of this study was to use a focused ethnography to explore a sense of community from the perspective of immigrant Latinas. Ten individual interviews were conducted and analyzed to document Latinas' experiences of immigrating to the United States and how this affected their sense of community. Four processes were identified from these data including the immigrant Latina learning to trust the new community's influence on health and health-promoting activities. Working to develop or strengthen a sense of community may help eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities in vulnerable populations.