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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2007 Dec;75(6):914-26.
doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.75.6.914.

A randomized controlled trial of a parent-centered intervention in preventing substance use and HIV risk behaviors in Hispanic adolescents

Guillermo Prado  1 , Hilda Pantin, Ervin Briones, Seth J Schwartz, Daniel Feaster, Shi Huang, Summer Sullivan, Maria I Tapia, Eduardo Sabillon, Barbara Lopez, José Szapocznik
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial of a parent-centered intervention in preventing substance use and HIV risk behaviors in Hispanic adolescents

Guillermo Prado et al. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2007 Dec.

Abstract

The present study evaluated the efficacy of Familias Unidas + Parent-Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention (PATH), a Hispanic-specific, parent-centered intervention, in preventing adolescent substance use and unsafe sexual behavior. Two hundred sixty-six 8th-grade Hispanic adolescents and their primary caregivers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: Familias Unidas + PATH, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) + PATH, and ESOL + HeartPower! for Hispanics (HEART). Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postbaseline. Results showed that (a) Familias Unidas + PATH was efficacious in preventing and reducing cigarette use relative to both control conditions; (b) Familias Unidas + PATH was efficacious, relative to ESOL + HEART, in reducing illicit drug use; and (c) Familias Unidas + PATH was efficacious, relative to ESOL + PATH, in reducing unsafe sexual behavior. The effects of Familias Unidas + PATH on these distal outcomes were partially mediated by improvements in family functioning. These findings suggest that strengthening the family system, rather than targeting specific health behaviors, may be most efficacious in preventing and/or reducing cigarette smoking, illicit drug use, and unsafe sex in Hispanic adolescents.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of study participants. PATH = Parent–Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention; ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages; HEART = HeartPower! for Hispanics.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Past-90-days smoking by condition. PATH = Parent–Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention; ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages; HEART = HeartPower! for Hispanics.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Past-90-days illicit drug use by condition. PATH = Parent–Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention; ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages; HEART = HeartPower! for Hispanics.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Family functioning factor score by condition. PATH = Parent–Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention; ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages; HEART = HeartPower! for Hispanics.
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