Evaluation of familias fuertes in three countries in latin america

Background. Familias Fuertes (FF) is a family-based, primary prevention intervention for youth sponsored by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). FF consists of seven weekly sessions for parents and their children aged 10-14 years. The long-term goal of FF is to prevent the initiation of adolescents' high-risk behaviors by strengthening family relationships and by promoting self-regulation and positive conflict resolution strategies. This presentation describes the FF program, examines the effects of FF on families from three countries in Latin America, and discusses the lessons learned in the process. Methods. Between August-November 2012, PAHO trained local facilitators in Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador who implemented FF with 361 families and administered a survey before and after the intervention. The survey measured the mediating factors identified in the program's theoretical model. The participating adolescents were evenly distributed by gender, but more mothers than fathers participated. Results. The comparison of parents' pre and post surveys showed positive changes in several constructs, such as increase of positive communication and decrease of negative communication such as insulting. Some constructs in the adolescent surveys showed a statistical change, such as stronger perception of parental communication against risky behaviors and feeling better equipped to deal with peer pressure. Overall, the differences were small in all constructs. Parents reported very high satisfaction with the program. Discussion. Theory and research indicates that FF is a promising primary prevention program. Different criteria for selection of families and diversity in social and cultural context were important factors explaining the results.