Authors

  1. Varas-Diaz, Nelson PhD
  2. Betancourt-Diaz, Elba PhD
  3. Lozano, Alicia J. MS
  4. Huang, Liming MS
  5. DiNapoli, Lucia MES
  6. Hanlon, Alexandra PhD
  7. Villarruel, Antonia M. PhD

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a Web-based intervention to increase sexual communication between parents and adolescents. Parent/adolescent dyads (n = 660) were recruited from communities in the San Juan area and randomly assigned to the Cuidalos sexual communication or physical activity program. Parent assessments were obtained preintervention and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Parents in the experimental group reported significantly more sexual communication (ie, peer pressure, sexual prevention, protection, risk) over time than parents in the control group. Results support the efficacy of the Cuidalos Web-based format and provide insight into future Web-based sexual health interventions for this population.