A Family-Based Alcohol Preventive Intervention for Latino Emerging Adults

A Family-Based Alcohol Preventive Intervention for Latino Emerging Adults

The purpose of the proposed study was to develop a family-based drinking prevention intervention for Latino emerging adults (EAs) and Latino parents of EAs. Although drinking rates for Latinos are lower than those for Whites in terms of the prevalence of alcohol use, the consequences of alcohol use (e.g., drunk driving, unplanned/unprotected sex, alcohol-related injuries) appear to be more severe for Latinos, especially those 18-23 years old. The investigators developed a brief (4 session) intervention for each of EAs and parents focused on identity development and parent support for EAs, respectively.

The purpose of the proposed study was to develop a family-based drinking prevention intervention for Latino emerging adults (EAs) and Latino parents of EAs. The investigators specifically targeted EAs aged 18-23. Although drinking rates for Latinos are lower than those for Whites in terms of the prevalence of alcohol use, the consequences of alcohol use (e.g., drunk driving, unplanned/unprotected sex, alcohol-related injuries) appear to be more severe for Latinos, especially those 18-23 years old.

The intervention program included four sessions with emerging adults (EA) in a group setting, and four sessions with groups of parents of EAs. This dual-site project was developed in Oregon and Florida in three phases: (1) development of the intervention components; (2) initial pilot testing and focus group feedback (including modifying the intervention and revising the manuals); and (3) a randomized pilot study. The EA component was developed by integrating identity-based intervention strategies that have been used successfully with adolescents and EAs, ensuring that they are developmentally and culturally appropriate. The parenting component was developed by adapting efficacious parenting strategies used with adolescents so that the activities were developmentally and culturally appropriate for parents of EAs. As the pilot study launch coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the investigators adapted the original in-person approaches for online delivery.

Inclusion criteria:

Emerging adult criteria:

• Between the ages of 18 and 23 years old upon recruitment
• Identify as Latina/o, Hispanic, Chicana/o, or have been born or descended from a parent or grandparent from Mexico or another nation in Central or South America or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean
• Intend to remain in the area for the four months following their recruitment into the study in order to participate in the intervention, if selected

Parent criteria:

• Have a child between the ages of 18 and 23 years old
• Identify as Latina/o, Hispanic, Chicana/o, or have been born or descended from a parent from Mexico, or a nation in Central or South America or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean
• Speak and understand Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

Emerging adult criteria:

• EAs are not themselves a parent or stepparent