Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108112

Celia M. Lescano, PhD, Larry K. Brown, MD, Elizabeth A. Vazquez, PhD, Jessica D. Pickard, BS, and Jessica Zeidman, BA. School of Medicine, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin Street, Coro West 2.104, Providence, RI 02903, 401-444-8539, CLescano@lifespan.org

Background: The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary data from a community-based sample of Latino adolescents to develop an HIV prevention intervention for Latino families. Methods: Analysis of an existing database of a convenience, community sample of Latino adolescents. Conduct focus groups and pilot interventions with 40 families. Results: Data from an earlier project with 119 Latino adolescents were analyzed to provide pilot data for this project. Data revealed high pregnancy rates (52% of girls had ever gotten pregnant and 26% of boys had ever gotten someone pregnant) and unprotected sexual intercourse (29% had used a condom at last intercourse). Lack of awareness of susceptibility to HIV/AIDS was also prevalent; of 75 adolescents who said their behavior was “very safe” or “safe,” 49 (65%) did not use a condom the last time they had sex. Issues such as acculturation, religiosity, family socialization practices, parental monitoring, gender role and sexual socialization, and power in relationships appear to be very important factors within Latino families. These themes were addressed in focus groups with Latino families to assess their salience for prevention efforts. A summary of preliminary focus group findings and initial analyses of further pilot intervention data will be provided. Conclusions: Although data are incomplete regarding how to adapt HIV prevention programs for Latino adolescents, it is well understood that the family is the ideal unit of intervention. This project will determine important aspects of Latino culture in order to adapt a theory-based, family-based, HIV prevention intervention for Latino adolescents

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the need for HIV prevention among Latinos.
• Discuss preliminary data from focus groups and pilot interventions with a sample of Latino families.
• Identify cultural factors that need to be addressed in HIV prevention interventions for Latino families.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.