Abstract
This paper presents preliminary findings of two studies conducted with Chicana/Latina secondary and university students. Ninety-four women were surveyed concerning alcohol and drug use, behavioral efficacy, knowledge of HIV infection, and sexual practices. In addition, two focus groups were conducted in the high school and four in the university. The focus groups examined the women's perception of the role of cultural values and family communication in their ability to prevent high risk behaviors (alcohol and drug use, unsafe sexual practices). The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of Chicano scholarship, health promotion, and methodological issues in research with Latinas.

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