Exploring Change in Attitudinal and Behavioral Outcomes Using the Familia Adelante Program for Urban Latino High School Students
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Background: Latinos are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes of substance use and risky sexual behaviors due in part due to sociodemographic and cultural barriers that reduce access to treatment. Culturally tailored and age-appropriate interventions aimed at reducing and preventing substance use and sexual behaviors are needed. Methods: Between October 2019 and October 2024, Familia Adelante, a school-based mental health prevention and early intervention program, was tailored to prevent substance use, risky sexual behaviors and increase risk perception of substance use. We used free latent growth curve models to assess our primary (change in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use) and secondary outcomes (binge alcohol use, risky sexual behavior, risk perception of substance use) over a 6-month period. Parsimonious models were then adjusted for significant sociodemographic variables. Results: Results showed marijuana use decreased, risk perception of substance use, and risk perceptions of sexual behavior increased over a 6-month period. Alcohol, binge alcohol, tobacco use, and sexual behavior did not significantly differ over time. Discussion: Culturally tailored school-based interventions may be an effective primary prevention tool at reducing some substance use disparities among Latino communities and increasing perceptions of risky behavior.
