Antonia M. Villarruel PhD, RN, FAANAssociate Dean for Research and Global AffairsProfessor & Nola J. Pender Collegiate ChairUniversity of Michigan

The Issue High rates of

unplanned pregnancies and STD’s

Low rates of condom use

Limited effective sexual risk reduction interventions for Latino youth

The Program

1. Incorporates the theme ¡Cuídate!—2. Emphasizes core Latino cultural values.3. Increases positive attitudes, beliefs, and

self-efficacy regarding safer sex behaviors.

4. Builds problem solving, negotiation, refusal, and condom use skills.

5. Highly participatory, interactive small groups.

Key Outcomes

Behavioral Outcomes Less likely to report sexual intercourse,

multiple partners, and days of unprotected sexual intercourse

More likely to report using condoms consistently

Cost-benefit ratio: $1:$2.50

Opportunities and Challenges Dissemination, scale up, sustainability

infrastructures CDC - DHAP/DRH/DSH – Diffusion of

Evidence Based Interventions Office of Adolescent Health, HHS Select Media

Quality control, coordination, feedback Trainers, facilitators, adaptations

Policy Implications

Emphasis on use of EBP by communities Limited funding priorities for youth and

prevention Need to address POLICY and policy

Funding priorities and approaches School boards

Leadership Implications Create synergy with

translation targets (public, practitioners, policy makers) Find and cherish your

“champions” Opportunities to lead

and support Tailoring messages

for diverse audiences