Promotoras’ Efforts to Reduce Alcohol Use among Latino Youths: Engaging Latino Parents in Prevention Efforts

Abstract

This study presents findings from workshops facilitated by promotoras (indigenous community leaders) in efforts to prevent and reduce alcohol use among Latino youths by engaging Latino parents in prevention efforts. Pre- and posttests consisting of a scale and open-ended questions were completed by workshop participants (i.e., Latino parents, mean age 33.63 with an average of 2 to 3 children). The participants’ awareness of the rates, risks, and consequences of alcohol use significantly improved following the intervention (pretest M = 7.99 , SD = 2.12; posttest M = 9.45; SD = 1.67; t(70) = −5.328, p < .001) with a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = .77). Four major themes emerged in regards to what parents can do to prevent alcohol use among youths, including open communication, dar el ejemplo (set an example), love, and parental involvement (i.e., support and monitoring). Participants felt the workshops’ strengths were the quality of information, the delivery of presentation, and que son madres (that the facilitators are mothers). Few studies document promotoras in substance use prevention efforts with Latinos, who underutilize specialty services. Thus, the promotoras model demonstrates a promising method for reaching this growing population.

KEYWORDS:

• substance abuse
• promotoras
• culturally grounded interventions
• Latino families and youth

The authors would like to thank the promotoras for their continued efforts to prevent substance use among Latino youths.