Testing the Efficacy of a Computer-Based Parent-Adolescent Sexual Communication Intervention for Latino Parents

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Family Studies
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Effective parent-adolescent communication is crucial for adolescent well-being.
• Latino families face unique challenges in accessing communication support.
• Computer-based interventions offer a scalable solution for health promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the efficacy of a computer-based intervention to enhance parent-adolescent communication.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on general and sexual communication.
• To assess the acceptability of digital health tools among underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial design.
• Two-session computer-based intervention versus a wait-list control group.
• Follow-up assessment at 3 months.

Main Results:

• Parents in the intervention group reported improved general and sexual communication.
• Adolescents whose parents received the intervention reported increased sexual communication.
• The computer-based format was found to be acceptable for the target population.

Conclusions:

• Brief, computer-based interventions are effective in improving parent-adolescent communication.
• Digital health platforms can successfully reach and engage underserved communities.
• These findings support the use of technology to strengthen adolescent support systems.