A Primary Care E-Health Family Intervention for Risk Behaviors in Hispanic Youths

Abstract

Key Points Question Can an e-health family-based intervention delivered by pediatric primary care personnel reduce substance use and sexual risk behaviors among Hispanic adolescents? Findings In a randomized clinical trial of 456 Hispanic adolescent-parent dyads, the eHealth Familias Unidas Primary Care intervention significantly reduced past 90-day drug use and prevented initiation of alcohol and hard drug (ie, lysergic acid diethylamide, phencyclidine, ecstasy [MDMA], psilocybin mushrooms) use compared with treatment as usual. No significant effects were observed for sexual risk behaviors, and family functioning did not mediate outcomes. Meaning In this study, delivering e-health family interventions in primary care was feasible and effective for reducing adolescent drug use, highlighting a potentially scalable strategy to address behavioral health disparities.