No abstract

Substance abuse and violence are among the primary health concerns regarding Brazilian adolescents. This study sought to explore the short-term effects of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10-14), a preventive program for families with adolescents, adapted to Brazil. A pre-experimental design was used, with a pretest and 10-12-month follow-up evaluation. A qualitative study was carried out using in-depth interviews held one to three months after the intervention to examine the use of skills learned. The sample included 126 adolescents (pre-test and follow-up comparison) and 23 adolescents (interviews) between 10 and 14 years of age from low-income families residing in northeastern Brazil. The comparison between pretest and follow-up showed an increase in learning self-efficacy and school absence without parental permission. Null effects were found on the consumption of alcohol in the last month; episodes of binge drinking in the last month; antisocial behavior; parenting practices regarding emotional support factors, intrusiveness, and behavior supervision; future time perspective; doing homework; grade repetition; school grades; school dropout; and satisfaction with one's relationship with school. The majority of the interviewed adolescents reported applying the learned skills during family interaction and with friends. Future studies should examine the contexts and mechanisms linked to such mixed results.

The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility (limited effectiveness, acceptability and practicality) of the Strengthening Families Program, a universal preventive intervention, for Brazilian families. A pre-experimental study was carried out, with pre-test, post-test, 6- and 10-12-month follow-ups. 74 adolescents and their parents participated. Scales on academic, parenting, and health outcomes were applied to adolescents at the four assessment times. Direct observation of implementation fidelity and families engagement in the intervention and telephone interviews with facilitators were used to investigate acceptability and practicality. The results show significant increase in parental supervision and learning self-efficacy. High levels of fidelity and parent/guardian engagement as well as moderate levels of adolescent engagement were found. The facilitators found the intervention had acceptable goals, but procedures excessively structured and unsuitable for families with low educational level. Practical implications are discussed.

No abstract

No abstract