Abstract
Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior. It is well understood that maternal communication is a key element in modifying the adolescent sexual behavior. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore if Puerto Rican mothers of adolescent girls have conversations about sexuality with their daughters and the content of such conversations. A total of 22 HIV-seropositive mothers and 22 HIV-seronegative mothers were enrolled. Six focus groups were conducted, sessions were transcribed ad-verbum and coded for specific topics. All qualitative analysis was incorporated into Atlas.ti. Participants in both groups had a similar average age (mean=41 years old); but, the HIV-seropositive mothers were more likely single, less educated and unemployed. Regarding having engaged in conversations about sexuality and the topics covered, however, there were no differences revealed among HIV-seropositive mothers and seronegative mothers. In both groups, mothers understood the importance of these conversations, but most said they were difficult and uncomfortable. These findings reinforce the importance of communication between mothers and daughters for the prevention of STIs, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in minority populations.Interventions are needed for mother and daughter to improve communication skills, communication about sexuality, and addressing prevention.
Highlights
Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior
These findings reinforce the importance of communication between mothers and daughters for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in minority populations
Interventions are needed for mother and daughter to improve communication skills, communication about sexuality, and addressing prevention
Summary
Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior. Some researchers have suggested that “familism”, defined as attitudes, behaviors, and family structure operating within an extended family system, exerts the most important influence in the lives of Latinos [2] Latino parents and their adolescents generally discuss cultural beliefs, values and convey messages of protection, and these talks are more often directed towards the female adolescents. Robles and colleagues reported that Puerto Rican adolescents whose parents admitted having poor communication and little to no monitoring or control over them were three to four times more likely to engage in sexual activities at an earlier age than those whose parents had close bonds with them and maintained control of their households [4] It has been well reported how parents play a significant role in the sexual development and behavior of their children [5]. Regarding the quality of these conversations, Lefkowitz pointed out that parental judging of their adolescents‟ opinion may jeopardize any future communication between them [7]
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