Reducing HIV Risk Among Mexican Youth

Adolescents are randomly assigned to the HIV risk-reduction intervention condition. Adolescents receive a theory-based intervention designed to reduce HIV risk-associated behavior. The intervention consists of six 50-minute modules implemented over the course of two days. The intervention is highly interactive and includes games, videos, discussion, and role-plays.

Parents are randomly assigned to the Safer Sex Communication Intervention. Parents learn about HIV and other consequences of unprotected sexual behavior. The intervention contains content that focuses on enhancing parent-adolescent communication.

Adolescents are randomly assigned to the Health Promotion control condition. Adolescents receive an intervention aimed at significant health problems affecting Mexicans that are related, not to sexual behavior, but to other behaviors. These health problems include heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Adolescents are taught that these health problems can be prevented by changing personal behaviors, primarily exercise, diet, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and drug use.

Parents are randomly assigned to the Health Promotion control condition. Parents receive an intervention aimed at significant health problems affecting Mexicans that are related, not to sexual behavior, but to other behaviors. These health problems include heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Parents will be taught that these health problems can be prevented by changing personal behaviors, primarily exercise, diet, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and drug use. The intervention also provides content that emphasizes the importance of families.