186543 Familias Unidas: A program of research aimed at preventing substance use and HIV risk behaviors in Hispanic youth

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Guillermo Prado, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Hilda Pantin, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Shi Huang, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Stephanie Donahue , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Jose Szapocznik, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL
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.

Learning Objectives:
1. Articulate the prevalence rates for drug use and other HIV risk behaviors for Hispanic adolescents. 2. Recognize the risk and protective process related to drug abuse and unsafe sexual behavior. 3. Describe Familias Unidas, a Hispanic-specific, parent-centered intervention, aimed at preventing and reducing adolescent behavior problems, substance use, and unsafe sexual behavior.

Keywords: Hispanic Youth, Intervention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have published more than 30 articles in the past three years on the prevention of HIV risks among Hispanic youth, including the efficacy study of Familias Unidas. Additionally, my research has been recognized by the National Hispanic Science Network and the Society for Prevention Research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Special Issues In HIV and Substance Abuse
See more of: HIV/AIDS