Strategies for recruiting and retaining families in teen pregnancy prevention: A case study of a Latino family-based behavioral intervention

Background: Teen pregnancy rates among Latinos remain substantially higher than the national average, putting them at risk for adverse health, academic, and social outcomes. Tailored and culturally appropriate teen pregnancy prevention interventions have shown to be effective in reducing early sexual risk and other risky behaviors among youth. This case study examines challenges and successes associated with recruiting and retaining Latino families in a family-based intervention. Methods: Más que un sueño/More than a Dream is a teen pregnancy prevention program for Latino/a youth and their parents that combines two developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically relevant youth and parent interventions. °Cuídate! is a youth curriculum designed to address sexual risks. Salud y Exito/Health and Success consists of a series of audio CDs containing bilingual stories that provide relatable examples of parents overseeing youths' behavior, initiating conversations, and responding to warning signs of risk. Innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining Latino families in this program were identified and tested. These strategies include providing incentives for adults in the community to use their formal and informal networks to promote the program, and a communication strategy to support parent participation and retention involving carefully crafted email and SMS texting messages. Findings: The parent liaison program was effective in reaching potential program participants and promoting awareness about the program. Conclusions: Innovative strategies focused on appropriate incentives, community engagement, and communication can improve recruiting and retention efforts in teen pregnancy prevention interventions for Latino families.