Freirian praxis in health education: research results from an adolescent prevention program.

This article illustrates how Paulo Freire's social change theory can be integrated with a cognitive and behavior change theory to develop a comprehensive health education program directed at both individual- and community-level change. Through discussion of ASAP, an alcohol and substance abuse prevention program for youth from high-risk communities in New Mexico, this article presents an interweaving of Freirian theory and protection-motivation cognitive change theory. Qualitative research data are provided on the processes of change, the interplay of personal and societal factors, and the potential outcomes as a result of using this integrated approach. Programmatic and evaluation implications for health education programs are discussed.