Prevention of Risk Factors in Adolescents: Intervention for Parents and Mothers

Abstract Adolescents experience various changes, which can sometimes put them at risk. The objective was to know the risk factors to which high school adolescents are exposed in Mérida, Yucatán, to later analyze those risks and propose prevention actions in an intervention addressed to their parents. The methodology was based on participatory action research, in three phases. In the first, the social diagnosis, 191 second grade students and 2 female teachers participated. In the second and third, intervention and evaluation, 30 mothers and 6 fathers participated. The techniques were survey, interview, discussion group and participatory techniques. The main risk factors identified are bullying, family violence and alcoholism. Parents express a genuine interest in informing themselves and taking preventive measures. The importance of the social and family context to favor or limit these risk factors in adolescence is discussed.