Program for Fathers Helps them Talk to Young Sons about Sex and HIV Risk

Abstract

Fathers in the Atlanta area who participated in a program designed to improve mens ability to talk to their 11-14-year-old sons about HIV prevention subsequently reported more sexuality-related discussion and greater intention to discuss relevant topics with their sons than did a control group of men who had not taken part in the program. Furthermore their sons were more likely than sons in the control group to say that they intended to postpone intercourse until they married and if they were sexually experienced were less likely to report having had unprotected intercourse. The program was tested in four randomly selected sites of a community-based organization that operates after-school and summer programs for disadvantaged youngsters; another three sites served as controls. At intervention sites fathers (including nonbiological father figures) of 11-14-year-old males were invited to attend a program that presented information on communicating with adolescents about general topics (e.g. relationships with peers) sexuality-related topics and specific topics related to HIV and AIDS. Seven weekly two-hour group sessions were scheduled during which information was delivered through lectures discussions role-playing exercises games and videotapes. In addition participants received a manual that was designed to help them complete weekly take-home activities and set personal goals. At control sites fathers were invited to participate in seven weekly two-hour group sessions on nutrition and exercise; the format of these sessions was similar to that of the HIV program. At both the intervention and the control sites youth were invited to accompany their fathers to the last session. (excerpt)