Familias Unidas: A program of research aimed at preventing substance use and HIV risk behaviors in Hispanic youth

Background: HIV represents a major public health problem facing America's youth, especially Hispanic youth. Hispanic adolescents report higher rates of drug use across all categories (except amphetamines) and higher rates of unprotected sexual behavior than non-Hispanic White and African American adolescents.

Objective: The objective is to present on a program of research involving Familias Unidas, a Hispanic-specific, parent-centered intervention, aimed at preventing and reducing adolescent behavior problems, substance use, and unsafe sexual behavior.

Methods: Familias Unidas has been evaluated and found to be efficacious in two separate randomized controlled trials. In the first study, Familias Unidas was shown to be efficacious relative to a no intervention control condition in increasing family functioning and reducing behavior problems, risk factors for adolescent substance use and unprotected sex. In the second randomized controlled trial, Familias Unidas was found to be efficacious, relative to two attention control conditions, in preventing cigarette use and illicit drug use. Familias Unidas was also found to be efficacious relative to both of the control conditions in preventing/reducing unprotected sexual behavior at last sexual intercourse. In both completed randomized trials, the effects of Familias Unidas were partially mediated by improvments in family functioning.

Future Directions: A third randomized trial of the Familias Unidas intervention is currently under way. This third study, funded through the CDC's minority HIV/AIDS research initiative, is evaluating a streamlined version of Familias Unidas.