Health Promotion Practice
Volume 15, Issue 6, 2014, Pages 915-923

Familias Fuertes: A Feasibility Study With Mexican Immigrants Living in Low-Income Conditions in the Southeastern United States (Article)

Orpinas P.* , Reidy M.C. , Lacy M.E. , Kogan S.M. , Londoño-McConnell A. , Powell G.
  • a University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
  • b University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
  • c University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
  • d University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
  • e AK Counseling & Consulting, Inc, Athens, GA, United States
  • f University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States

Abstract

Families Fuertes (FF) is a seven-session, family-centered program for supporting positive youth development of Latino children aged 10 to 14 years. The Pan American Health Organization adapted it from the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth for Spanish-speaking countries. The suitability of FF for recent immigrants to the United States is, however, unknown. This feasibility study assessed the appropriateness of FF with 12 low-income Mexican immigrant families residing in Georgia. Participants, a community liaison, and program staff evaluated (a) recruitment, retention, and evaluation strategies; and (b) the acceptability and promise of the curriculum. Recruitment and retention were very high; feedback of evaluation strategies was uniformly positive. Participants perceived that the program improved family relationships and that family members changed for the better. We detail practical and cultural adaptations to enhance the potential effectiveness of the program for this population. A version adapted to address acculturation-related stressors would increase the potential public health impact. © 2014 Society for Public Health Education.

Author Keywords

Adolescents prevention Latino families Parenting Family

Index Keywords

Social Norms education Parents consumer attitude social norm Consumer Behavior poverty human adolescent development Georgia Feasibility Studies ethnology Humans migrant family Pan American Health Organization Adolescent parent Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation cultural factor feasibility study program evaluation world health organization Mexican Americans Child Development Mexican American Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84910038861&doi=10.1177%2f1524839914523430&partnerID=40&md5=a72fd6c85435cd8867b5d7d0a36402cd
DOI: 10.1177/1524839914523430
ISSN: 15248399
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English