PURPOSE: This ethnographic study describes the health-related perceptions of immigrant Latino adolescents from Mexico. METHOD: Fourteen adolescents, purposively recruited from two non-health-based community settings, participated. Each was interviewed twice and completed a visual narrative project using disposable cameras. Audiotaped transcripts and photographs were inductively analyzed. FINDINGS: Being healthy is holistically perceived by these adolescents and includes physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental factors. Pictures portrayed healthy and unhealthy influences and behaviors, including eating habits, exercise, self-care, relationships, garbage, and pollution. Personal responsibility was important in being healthy and in promoting one's health. Family was identified as an important source of health-related information. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses recognizing the holistic, comprehensive health-related perceptions of immigrant Latino adolescents can promote their health and design culturally and developmentally appropriate educational strategies and health interventions aimed at eliminating health disparities.

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Social Values lifestyle social psychology Life Style psychological aspect methodology nursing methodology research human social support child behavior Mexico ethnology United States philosophy Holistic Health Humans Hispanic Adolescent male female questionnaire Article Adolescent Behavior Questionnaires adult migration Emigration and Immigration Self Care attitude to health Mexican Americans