Results provide evidence for the efficacy of HIV intervention in decreasing sexual activity and increasing condom use among Latino adolescents.

purpose. To describe the influence of cultural values familialism, gender‐role expectations, and religion on sexual attitudes, beliefs, and norms of young Latina adolescents. design. Ethnography, focus group interviews. Setting. Community‐based agencies in two urban cities. participants. Puerto Rican and Mexican‐American adolescents (10–15 years) and their mothers. main outcome measures. Ethnographic interview guide. results. The importance of family and the role of the extended network, dimensions of familialism, were evident in such patterns as respect for self and family, protection of self, child, and family. The protectiveness of families toward girls, gender differences in rules, value of virginity, and the importance of having a family, were findings consistent with Latino gender roles. However, there were also some important deviations from these roles. For example, virginity, although important, was not associated with religious doctrine or practice. The necessity of preventing pregnancy was also considered important. conclusions. Latino cultural values need to be incorporated in primary and secondary prevention efforts to decrease the risks associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.

This study represents initial efforts to address the needs of Spanish-dominant Latino youth. The identification of salient beliefs that may predict sexual risk and protective behavior are relevant to the design of culturally and linguistically effective interventions.

Hispanic females are disproportionately affected by substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and HIV. Despite these disparities, research describing the cultural and gender-specific experiences of Hispanic women with regard to these conditions is lacking. The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences that Hispanic community-dwelling women have with regard to substance abuse, violence, and risky sexual behaviors. Eight focus groups with 81 women were conducted. A bilingual, bicultural moderator asked women open-ended questions regarding the experiences that Hispanic women have with these conditions. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, verified, and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants discussed substance abuse, violence, and risky sexual behaviors interchangeably, often identifying common risk factors associated with these. Nevertheless, intimate partner violence was the most salient of conditions discussed. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: Transplantadas en otro mundo (Uprooted in another world), El criador de abuso (The breeding ground of abuse), and Rompiendo el silencio (Breaking the silence). This study supports the importance of addressing substance abuse, violence, and risk for HIV in an integrated manner and stresses the importance of addressing associated cultural factors (e.g., acculturation, machismo) in interventions targeting Hispanics.

Recruitment and retention of Latino adolescents in research studies is critical to building a research base for nursing practice.