A mixed-methods evaluation of the ¡Vamos por Más! parenting program implementation in Chile

Abstract

Substance use is a signi cant global concern. Strengthening parenting in families with adolescents has been shown to reduce substance use initiation. The ¡Vamos por Más! (¡VxM!) program is a positiveparenting program developed in Chile to improve family relations and reduce adolescent substance use that combines in-person school workshops, multimedia messaging and personalized support. ObjectiveThis manuscript reports a mixed-methods evaluation of the pilot implementation of the ¡VxM! program utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Proctor's taxonomy for process outcomes. MethodsAn explanatory sequential design was used. Quantitative methods evaluated program use, acceptability, appropriateness, and delity, and were followed by qualitative focus groups (FGs) to assess the implementation process and understand these outcomes. Thirteen FGs strati ed by school and role, including school leaders (n = 7), program facilitators (n = 19), participants (n = 36), and researchers (n = 4), were conducted. ResultsThe program was implemented in three schools, reaching 253 families with in-person workshops (40.5% of potential participants), 257 parents who viewed on average 72.1% of sent multimedia messages, and 2 families who used the personalized support (0.3%). Overall, the program was viewed as acceptable and appropriate by participants and implementers due to the high quality of program materials, targeted content, and activities. Implementation differed by schools. Key implementation factors were the outer context, inner school setting, and implementation processes. ConclusionThis comprehensive evaluation, including both intervention implementers and participants, identi ed implementation facilitators, barriers, and outcomes. Future ¡VxM! implementations should alter program components of schools with lower engagement to improve program implementation and outcomes.implemented. These ndings are essential for the implementation of parenting programs in new settings and contribute to the larger implementation evaluation literature.