Reducing HIV Sexual Risk for Latino Adolescents

In this chapter we describe some of the key structural-environmental factors that influence adolescent risk behavior. We utilize an ecodevelopmental framework to present an overview of issues confronting Latino adolescents and their parents specifically related to adolescent sexual risk behavior. In our review of the literature, we focus on strategies that have been developed for Latino adolescents and their parents to address this important health, social, and cultural challenge. We review existing interventions and programs designed to provide Latino adolescents and parents with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to prevent HIV. We identify both strengths and gaps in existing interventions, and identify strategies at the structural level that can be implemented to support Latino parents and adolescents.