Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility (limited effectiveness, acceptability and practicality) of the Strengthening Families Program, a universal preventive intervention, for Brazilian families. A pre-experimental study was carried out, with pre-test, post-test, 6- and 10-12-month follow-ups. 74 adolescents and their parents participated. Scales on academic, parenting, and health outcomes were applied to adolescents at the four assessment times. Direct observation of implementation fidelity and families engagement in the intervention and telephone interviews with facilitators were used to investigate acceptability and practicality. The results show significant increase in parental supervision and learning self-efficacy. High levels of fidelity and parent/guardian engagement as well as moderate levels of adolescent engagement were found. The facilitators found the intervention had acceptable goals, but procedures excessively structured and unsuitable for families with low educational level. Practical implications are discussed.
Highlights
The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of the Strengthening Families Program, a universal preventive intervention, for Brazilian families
Cumulative evidence indicates that parents and the family environment are the primary perpetrators of violence against children and adolescents (Macedo et al, 2019; Nunes & Sales, 2016)
While the first two dimensions were investigated by direct observation, the latter were through telephone interviews
Summary
The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility (limited effectiveness, acceptability and practicality) of the Strengthening Families Program, a universal preventive intervention, for Brazilian families. In 2013, the Ministry of Health adopted SFP 10-14 for implementation in the basic social protection services of the National Policies of Social Assistance (Brasil, 2004) to strengthen family ties and prevent various harms to adolescent health such as substance abuse and intrafamily violence. This, along with additional evidence related to the program’s positive impact on the improvement of family environment (Coatsworth et al, 2015; Mejía et al, 2015), long-term reduction of antisocial behavior (Spoth et al, 2000), decrease of risky sexual behavior (Spoth et al, 2014), and long-term delay of use or reduction in substance abuse (Foxcroftet al., 2003; Gates et al, 2006), indicated SFP 10-14 was a beneficial preventive alternative for families with adolescents
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