Parent-centered prevention of risky behaviors among hispanic youths in Florida

Y. Estrada, T.K. Lee, S. Huang, M.I. Tapia, M.-R. Velázquez, M.J. Martinez, H. Pantin, M.A. Ocasio, D.C. Vidot, L. Molleda, J. Villamar, B.A. Stepanenko, C. Hendricks Brown and G. Prado

American Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 107, issue 4, 607-613

Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based, parent-centered intervention, Familias Unidas, delivered by nonresearch personnel, in preventing substance use (alcohol, illicit drugs) and sex without a condom among Hispanic adolescents. Methods. A randomized controlled trial (n = 746) evaluated the effectiveness of Familias Unidas among Hispanic eighth graders (age range = 12-16 years), relative to prevention as usual, within a public school system. School personnel, including social workers and mental health counselors, were trained to deliver the evidence-based intervention. Participant recruitment, intervention delivery, and follow-up ran from September 2010 through June 2014 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Results. Familias Unidas was effective in preventing drug use from increasing and prevented greater increases in sex without a condom 30 months after baseline, relative to prevention as usual. Familias Unidas also had a positive impact on family functioning and parental monitoring of peers at 6 months after baseline. Conclusions. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a parent-centered preventive intervention program in preventing risky behaviors among Hispanic youths. Findings highlight the feasibility of training nonresearch personnel on effectively delivering a manualized intervention in a real-world setting.

Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303653_3

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303653

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