Substance Abuse Prevention Among High Risk Guatemala City Youth: Implementation of a Culturally Grounded Curriculum

The poster will illustrate how the Spanish language version of keepin’ it REAL (Mantente REAL), a school-based substance abuse prevention curriculum developed at Arizona State University (ASU) was implemented in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Grounded in cultural norms and values, the curriculum is designed to demonstrate resistance strategies in real life situations. . In 2003, following a randomized controlled trial, the curriculum was listed in the NREPP and recognized as a National Model Program by the SAMHSA. The purpose of this pilot was to determine the feasibility of curriculum integration in Guatemalan schools and transferability of content to Guatemalan youth The project delivered Mantente REAL to 200 students in Guatemala City during their 2012 academic year. It required pre- and post-surveys and training of teachers to facilitate the 10 lessons which were delivered on a weekly basis. The Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center (SIRC) at ASU provided curriculum materials and pre- and post-surveys. U Yum Cap ONG, under the General Director who has experience in implementing prevention programs in the US, including keepin’ it REAL, was responsible for overseeing the project in the privately funded schools serving students enrolled in 6^th and 7^th grades in 3 schools located in Guatemala City’s targeted “red zones.” Red zones are defined by the National Police as those with the highest levels of crime; where criminality and violence impact the social life of residents, and the average family income is about $295.00/month. An evaluation of school resources was completed and each school received support needed for successful implementation such as a laptop, DVD player, and visual aid materials. A total of 15 teachers completed a minimum of 8 hours of training on the facilitation of Mantente REAL. Teachers also were required to provide feedback on lesson implementation. Monitoring visits were conducted to ensure fidelity in lesson delivery. Formal and informal interviews were held with students, principals, and teachers to identify their perceptions of the most important risk and protective factors within their neighborhoods and school environments. The main objective was to assist them in understanding the role prevention programs could play in addressing those factors. The poster will present preliminary findings related to use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; risk and protective factors influencing youth in red zones; first age of use; and, the greatest high risk challenges facing youth who live in Guatemala City. The poster also will highlight the national policy(ies) related to prevention for youth, families, and communities as well as recommendations for a national approach to prevention programs/activities in Guatemala.