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Predictors of engagement and retention into a parent-centered, ecodevelopmental HIV preventive intervention for Hispanic adolescents and their families.

Prado G, Pantin H, Schwartz SJ, Lupei NS, Szapocznik J

Stempel School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St. HLS 597 Miami, FL 33199, USA. pradog@fiu.edu

OBJECTIVE: This study examined predictors of engagement and retention into a parent-centered, ecodevelopmental HIV preventive intervention for Hispanic adolescents and their families. The influence of retention on changes in adolescent HIV-risk attitudes was also examined. METHODS: Participants in this study were 91 Hispanic adolescents and their primary parents. Structural equation modeling was used to identify (a) predictors of initial engagement, (b) the effects of group processes on retention, and (c) the effects of retention on change HIV-risk attitudes in adolescents. RESULTS: Although some participant characteristics predicted engagement, the parent-facilitator relationship quality at the initial contact was found to be the strongest predictor of engagement. Furthermore, within-group processes such as group cohesion positively predicted retention. Finally, parent retention predicted decreases in adolescent HIV-risk attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The results may have important implications for engagement and retention in parent-centered interventions, as well as for reducing risks for HIV transmission in Hispanic adolescents. Implications for services research are also discussed.

Published 5 September 2006 in J Pediatr Psychol, 31(9): 874-90.
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