Feasibility Testing a Family-Level Intervention to Prevent Risky Sex Behaviors Among Middle School–Age Latinas

Purpose: In this article, we report a pilot study that tested the feasibility and initial efficacy of a culturally, linguistically, and developmentally tailored risky sex prevention intervention for middle school–age Latinas and their mothers. Design: We used a one-group pre-test, post-test, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up design. Data were collected at three points on aspects of the girls’ communication, beliefs, and behaviors. Results: Promising results included improvements in girl’s self-efficacy regarding condom communication and condom consistent use, and in mother–teen sexual risk communication. There were also trends in demonstration of fewer risky sex behaviors. Discussion: These findings suggest that the “Latina–Girls Empowered through Mind and Mission” (L-GEMM) intervention for young Latinas and their mothers is feasible and warrants further testing. Implications: Nurses are uniquely positioned to deliver risky sex preventive interventions to young Latinas. Including mothers and tailoring interventions to build on cultural strengths are important for success.