Culturally Grounded HIV Prevention for Latino Adolescents in Border Areas: Rationale, Theory, and Research

ABSTRACT

This manuscript presents a theoretical, rational, and empirical argument for the development of culturally grounded programs for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. It focuses specifically on adolescents of Mexican descent residing along the southwestern border of the United States. The differential effects of five life dimensions that produce diversity (inherited endowment, learned values and culture, developmental history, specific patterns of problems, and personalized styles of coping) between and within groups are noted, and relevant outcomes of those differential effects are identified. On the basis of these outcomes, a number of specific recommendations for culturally grounded programs are made, then illustrated in the description of a current, empirically tested program. Finally, implications for social work practice and research for the prevention of HIV/AIDS are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescence
• HIV prevention
• substance use