A Randomized Controlled Trial of Familias Unidas for Hispanic Adolescents With Behavior Problems

Abstract

Objective-To evaluate the efficacy of Familias Unidas, a Hispanic-specific, parent-centered intervention, in preventing/reducing adolescent substance use, unsafe sexual behavior, and externalizing disorders.Methods-A total of 213 8th grade Hispanic adolescents with behavior problems and their primary caregivers were assigned randomly to one of two conditions: Familias Unidas or Community Control. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6, 18, and 30 months post baseline.Results-Results showed that, relative to a Community Control condition, Familias Unidas was efficacious in preventing or reducing externalizing disorders, preventing and reducing substance use, and in reducing unsafe sexual behavior. The effects of Familias Unidas on these outcomes were partially mediated by improvements in family functioning.Conclusions-These findings suggest that parent-centered intervention is an efficacious strategy for preventing/reducing specific health risk behaviors in Hispanic adolescents with behavior problems.

Is parenting the mediator of change in behavioral parent training for externalizing problems of youth?

“…One study (Pantin et al, 2009) was considered but not included because there was not an intervention effect on externalizing problems. Of note, no studies with children with ADHD or with ADHD symptoms as an outcome were identified as meeting all criteria.…”

The Effects of Parental Acculturation and Parenting Practices on the Substance Use of Mexican-Heritage Adolescents from Southwestern Mexican Neighborhoods

“…The development of the parent curriculum, including issues of cultural sensitivity, are discussed in Bermudez Parsai, Castro, Marsiglia, Harthun, and Valdez (2011). It should be noted that the parenting measures, or similar ones, have been used in previous studies of parenting practices among Mexican-heritage parents (Pantin et al, 2009). …”

“…Parent communication can be thought of as an important part of monitoring the child’s behaviors, and prior research has shown that better parent-child communication (Fang, Schinke, & Cole, 2009; Martyn et al, 2009; Pantin et al, 2009; Tobler & Komro, 2010) serves as a protective factor against substance use behaviors among Hispanic adolescents. For example, Tobler and Komro (2010) found that Hispanic youths who are exposed to low levels of parental monitoring and limited communications were at a significantly greater risk for engaging in alcohol and marijuana use during the past year and month and at a greater risk of having ever smoked a cigarette.…”

The Effects of Interventions to Prevent Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

“…Six studies were found to have focused solely on the family for reducing adolescents' risk behavior with substance use Pantin et al, 2009;Schinke, Cole, & Fang, 2009;Schinke, Fang, & Cole, 2009;Spoth, Guyll, & Shin, 2009). However, one study ) that was categorized under combined intervention was also explained in family-based intervention and schoolbased intervention.…”