Lessons learned in evaluating the Familias Fuertes program in three countries in Latin America.

This report describes 1) the evaluation of the Familias Fuertes primary prevention program in three countries (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador) and 2) the effect of program participation on parenting practices. Familias Fuertes was implemented in Bolivia (10 groups, 96 parents), Colombia (12 groups, 173 parents), and Ecuador (five groups, 42 parents) to prevent the initiation and reduce the prevalence of health-compromising behaviors among adolescents by strengthening family relationships and enhancing parenting skills. The program consists of seven group sessions (for 6-12 families) designed for parents/caregivers and their 10-14-year-old child.

Social marketing improved the use of multivitamin and mineral supplements among resource-poor women in Bolivia.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that social marketing improves women's awareness and consumption of multivitamin and mineral supplements.

Design: Formative research and baseline and final surveys using a multistaged stratified cluster sample.

Setting: Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia.