Randomized Control Trial of Family-Based HIV Prevention for Latinos

The proposed project will test an HIV prevention intervention for Latino parent-adolescents dyads. This randomized controlled trial will: 1. Recruit and randomize 320 parent-adolescent dyads into a Latino family-based HIV prevention intervention or a family-based General Health Promotion condition. 2. Determine the efficacy of the Latino Family-based HIV prevention intervention from assessment of changes in HIV-related sexual behavior and attitudes over 18 months among a sample of 320 Latino parent-adolescent dyads. 3. Determine the efficacy of the Latino Family-based HIV prevention intervention from assessment of changes in family relationships and parental monitoring/supervision over 18 months among a sample of 320 Latino parent-adolescent dyads. 4. Examine the association of other important constructs, such as religiosity, acculturation, cultural values, and sexual socialization with the primary outcomes. Based on a thorough review of the literature and preliminary data from a recent, small pilot study, the investigators hypotheses are: 1. Compared to the General Health Promotion Control condition, the Family-Based HIV Prevention intervention will result in greater change with regard to primary outcome measures of safer sexual behavior (recent sexual activity, the number of unprotected sex acts, and intentions to use condoms) and safer HIV-related attitudes. 2. Compared to the General Health Promotion Control condition, the Family-Based HIV Prevention intervention will result in greater change with regard to family relationships and parental monitoring/supervision through improved parent-child communication skills and they will mediate the intervention impact. 3. Religiosity, acculturation, cultural values, and sexual socialization will have meaningful associations with the primary outcomes and will act as moderators of intervention impact.