Parent-adolescent Communication Research Articles

Parent Outreach Efforts Extend the Sustained Benefits of a Preschool Classroom Intervention: Adolescent Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Research-based Developmentally Informed (REDI) program enriched Head Start classrooms with teacher-delivered curriculum components designed to enhance child social-emotional learning and language-literacy skills. Parents received information about the program via backpack express, including weekly handouts about program topics and three DVDs illustrating REDI interactive strategies and suggesting home learning activities. In addition to effects on child skill acquisition and school performance (reported previously), positive effects emerged on a family-based outcome: parents of children in REDI-enriched classrooms reported higher quality preschool parent-child conversations than parents in the randomized control group (usual practice) classrooms. This study examined the long-term benefits associated with intervention-related improvements in preschool conversations. The original sample included 356 children (58% White, 24% Black, and 18% Latinx; 54% girls, 46% boys); 77% had the high school follow-up data used in this study. Longitudinal GLM analyses documented significant REDI intervention effects on parent-adolescent communication quality (assessed in the 7th and 9th grades) and on parent- and youth-reported high school behavior problems (assessed in 11th grade). Path analyses revealed significant serial mediation from intervention-related improvements in preschool conversations to parent-adolescent communication quality (grades 7-9) to reductions in later youth-reported (but not parent-reported) behavior problems (grade 11). The findings suggest that including "light touch" parent engagement materials with preschool classroom interventions can contribute to long-term program benefits.

EXPLORING FAMILY COMMUNICATION PATTERNS IN ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Adolescents are a group that is particularly susceptible to challenges and obstacles, such as problems with their reproductive and sexual health. Teens' views, knowledge, and behavior are greatly influenced by the ways in which parents and teens communicate with each other at home. The purpose of this study is to investigate how parents and teenagers communicate about sexual and reproductive health, as well as any barriers. A systematic review of the literature was the research approach and methodology employed. Using the PRISMA approach, journals published between 2004 and 2024 were gathered from the DOAJ, PubMed, The Lancet, and ResearchGate databases. The examination of twenty-five chosen publications led to the classification of parent-adolescent communication patterns into three primary domains: sociodemographic circumstances, communication subjects, and communication topics. Communication is hampered by a variety of factors, such as shame, discordant relationships, parental worries, ignorance, and poor communication skills. Parents, teenagers, and other family members all have a role to play in helping families establish effective communication patterns. Effective strategies to promote reproductive health communication within the family include making accurate information easily accessible, involving not only parents but also carers who look after the adolescent, and developing community-based, religiously-based, and culturally-based programs.

The role of parent-adolescent communication interventions in improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAcross sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents face the triple tragedy: unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV due to various reasons, among them, poor parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health. Effective interventions such as improving parent‒adolescent communication has been recognized as a protective factor for adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Research shows that parent-adolescent communication is associated with reduced adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours, including early sexual initiation, lower rates of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and increased self-efficacy in decision making. Despite the potential role of parent-adolescent communication in promoting optimal adolescent sexual and reproductive health, limited research evidence exists on interventions to improve parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the role of parent-adolescent communication intervention programs in improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes.MethodsWe will pool evidence from published literature from January 1990 up to and including February 2024 from multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, JSTOR, Directory of Open Access Journals, and Google Scholar. Articles published in the English language will be included. Two reviewers will conduct screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, while a third reviewer will arbitrate in cases of lack of concurrence. Experimental, quasi-experimental and observational study designs will be included.. A data extraction tool based on Microsoft Excel will be used to extract data items from different studies. We will focus on the following outcomes: initiation of sexual activity, use of condoms and contraceptives, reduced risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex, and lower rates of teenage pregnancy. When feasible, articles will be combined for statistical meta-analysis. Effect sizes, either reported as weighted mean differences for continuous data or as odds ratios for binary data, will be presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals. We will use the random effects model to meta-analyse the include studies as we expect considerable variability across study designs. This will provide an average effect size that accounts for variability of results within studies. Sensitivity analysis will also be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings or conclusions of the meta-analysis. The review findings will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.DiscussionThis review provides insights into parent-based intervention programs that have been implemented in sub-Saharan African countries to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health via promotion of parent-adolescent sexuality communication. The findings will guide further research on this issue as well as inform policy makers on which interventions have a potential effect in improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health.Protocol Registration Number: CRD42024525191 (PROSPERO), Date of registration: 27/03/2024.

Parent-adolescent communication in a digital world: A 100-day diary study.

Digital technology enables parents and adolescents to communicate anywhere and anytime. Knowledge of parent-adolescent online communication, however, is mainly based on cross-sectional studies. In this preregistered 100-day diary study, 479 adolescents (Mage = 15.98, 54.9% girls; 96.9% Dutch) reported daily if they had communicated with their parents online, how long (i.e., duration), and what they discussed (i.e., topics). Parent-adolescent online communication took place on 43% of days, for an average of 20 min a day, and predominantly concerned micro-coordination. Five profiles of parent-adolescent online communication were identified, with most adolescents (55.4%) communicating relatively infrequently and briefly. Boys and younger adolescents communicated longer than girls and older adolescents. Although parent-adolescent online contact is possible all day, very few adolescents do so.

The Prevalence and Pattern of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Secondary School Adolescents in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the prevalence, pattern and socio-demographic factors associated with risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among adolescents in secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa state. Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study. Place and duration: Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa state. The study was conducted in March/April 2021. Methodology: The study utilized self-administered questionnaires among 750 secondary school adolescents selected via multistage sampling. The proportion of adolescents with RSB and the socio-demographic determinants of RSB were analysed using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression with significance level set at p-value=0.05. Results: Of the 739 responses analysed, the prevalence of RSB was 156 (21.1%) and the mean age at sexual debut was 13.42±2.62 years. All sexually exposed adolescents had an early sexual debut, 23.7% had multiple sexual partners, and 98.1% reported inconsistent use of condoms. Transactional sex and sexual intercourse after alcohol/illicit drug use occurred in 56.4% and 15.4% of them, respectively. The predictors of RSB were attending a public school (AOR:2.046, 95%CI:1.243 to 3.368), peer pressure (AOR:10.451, 95%CI:6.460 to 16.909), difficulty in communicating with mother (AOR:2.050, 95%CI:1.203 to 3.493) and low maternal education (primary:AOR:2.834, 95%CI:1.300 to 6.181; and secondary: AOR:2.067, 95%CI:1.139 to 3.753). However, age below 18years (10-13years: AOR:0.194, 95%CI:0.051 to 0.741 and 14-17years: AOR:0.259, 95% CI:0.081 to 0.832) was protective of RSB. Conclusion: RSB is high among adolescents attending secondary schools in Yenagoa. Sex education, peer-based programmes and parent-adolescent communications should be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of RSB among adolescents.

Family communication and courageous coping in Korean adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are a vulnerable population during a critical developmental transition that can benefit from the adoption of courageous coping. Parental support is crucial in enhancing adjustment and coping skills. The linkage between parent-adolescent communication (PAC) and the use of courageous coping (UCC), however, remains unclear. This study examined the association between PAC and UCC and possible mediators of this relationship among Korean AYAs with cancer. In this cross-sectional, correlational study, self-report data were collected from 144 AYAs aged 11-26 years. A path analytic approach was employed using a hierarchical regression model to test for the direct relationship between PAC and UCC and the indirect effects of a proposed primary mediator (family cohesion) and two intermediary mediators (uncertainty of illness, hope) on PAC-UCC relationship. The mean age of the sample was 17 years (SD = 3.8), with 42% currently receiving cancer treatment. Greater PAC was significantly associated with increased UCC (mother figure: p = .0024, father figure: p = .0042). Increased family cohesion significantly mediated the PAC-UCC relationship, indicated by a diminished PAC-UCC relationship after controlling for family cohesion (mother: p = .2753; father: p = .8107). Mediated mediation models indicated that increased hope stemming from decreased uncertainty was the mechanism through which family cohesion impacted the PAC-UCC relationship. Findings underscore that greater PAC can facilitate UCC among Korean AYAs with cancer and provide insights for therapeutic parent-child communication. Results further demonstrate the complex mediating role of fostering family cohesion, reducing uncertainty, and fostering hope can play in the PAC-UCC relationship.

Exploring Factors Influencing Parent-Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)—A Qualitative Study from Bengaluru, India

Background: Sexuality and reproductive health have remained a topic of taboo and disgust in India, owing to its deep-rooted cultural, traditional and religious practices. Lack of right sources of information and negligible communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with trusted adults encourages adolescents to rely on unsafe sources, both online and offline, which could lead to detrimental consequences on their physical and mental health. Methods: This study utilizes a qualitative descriptive design to explore the factors influencing parent-adolescent communication on SRH. It focuses on mothers of adolescent children (10–19 years) from Urban Bengaluru. Data is collected through in-depth interviews of mothers and thematic analysis is performed on the data collected. Results: The qualitative analysis identified five core themes: Knowledge about SRH and gender-based needs, cultural and traditional influences, role of family, role of partner and inhibition of children. The perspectives of parents provided scope for what could be done to facilitate healthy and open communication. Conclusion: This study portrays the factors that hinder free communication between parents and adolescents about SRH. Suggestions for breaking the taboo pertaining to sexuality conversations and future studies have also been mentioned.

Familias con Orgullo: Pilot Study of a Family Intervention for Latinx Sexual Minority Youth to Prevent Drug Use, Sexual Risk Behavior, and Depressive Symptoms.

Families are key in the healthy development of Latinx sexual minority youth (Latinx SMY), a group that experiences behavioral, mental, and sexual health disparities. Despite this, there are no family-based interventions for Latinx SMY and their families to prevent drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary impact (i.e., estimated effect sizes) of Familias con Orgullo (FcO) and examine its feasibility and acceptability among 30 Latinx SMY and their parents. Parents and adolescents were randomized to FcO or a control condition and assessed pre/post-intervention. Feasibility was measured based on session completion and effect sizes. Focus groups were conducted to evaluate intervention acceptability. Findings showed promising effects favoring FcO on parent-adolescent communication (d = 0.46) and parental involvement (d = 0.34). There were also promising effects favoring FcO on suicidal thoughts (OR = 0.75) and depression symptoms (OR = 0.69). Finally, 100% of the adolescents in FcO either continued to remain drug-free or transitioned from current use to no use (from baseline to post-intervention) compared to 74% in the control. Effect sizes for condomless sex, parental monitoring, and positive parenting were small. Session completion (above 80%) and focus group findings indicated strong feasibility and acceptability. FcO holds promise for reducing drug use and depressive symptoms and improving family functioning among Latinx SMY.

Parent-adolescent sexual communication in Asia: point of view and implications for future interventions

Parent-adolescent sexual communication in Asia: point of view and implications for future interventions

Role of Parent-Adolescent Communication to Prevent Cyberbullying in Youth: Challenges and Oppertunities

The rise of digital technology and social networks has caused an increased rate of cyberbullying cases, predominantly among adolescents. Problematic use of the internet and cyberbullying have had important psychological, social, and emotional impacts on youth, making it a tenacious concern for educators, parents, and policymakers. Effective parent-adolescent/youth communication arises as an essential approach to alleviating the risks and effects of cyberbullying. This review study aims to explore the role of open and helpful communication between youth and parents to avoid cyberbullying. Investigating the various communication approaches and their effect on youthful behavior, the review augments the importance of adopting a helpful and thoughtful environment at homes and educational institutes. The review suggests that youths who are involved in regular frank discussions with parents and teachers about online activities are less prone to cyberbullying. Moreover, the study stresses the need for parents and teachers to be well-familiar with digital/social platforms and cyberbullying dynamics to successfully guide the youth. Educating the parents, teachers, and youth aimed at enlightening communication skills amongst youths, parents and teachers demonstrates promise in decreasing the cyberbullying cases in Pakistan. Therefore, this manuscript intends to explore approaches that involve universities, digital platforms, and communities to support parent-adolescent communication to create safe online environments for the youth.

A Mixed Method Investigation of Parent-Adolescent Communication About Mental Health

PurposeParent-adolescent communication is critical for parents' recognition of a need for mental health treatment in their adolescent children. This study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to parent-adolescent communication about mental health in order to generate ideas for interventions that improve communication and increase adolescent uptake of mental health services. MethodsTwenty adolescents aged 12 to 19 with a history of depression and/or anxiety were enrolled alongside one parent/guardian. Participants completed an online survey, followed by separate, semistructured interviews. Survey data were analyzed via paired and two-sample t tests. Separate, data-driven codebooks were developed from interview transcripts. Qualitative data were analyzed via a template analysis approach. ResultsAdolescents reported higher barriers to psychological help-seeking (24.0 + 7.3) when compared to parents (18.6 + 4.7), both on average (p = .008) and between individual dyads (p = .003). Parents reported better communication with their child (79.0 + 11.5), than adolescents did with their parents on average (68.7 + 17.3, p = .04). Fear of burdening parents, parental guilt and fear of parents' dismissal of mental health concerns were described as barriers to communication. Facilitators of communication included disclosure of familial mental health history, open-mindedness, and patience. Psychotherapy was described as positively impacting communication by assisting adolescents in understanding parents' perspectives, and teaching communication strategies. DiscussionBrief clinical interventions addressing structural and emotional barriers to psychological help-seeking, depression literacy, stigma and self-blame among parents, and disclosure of familial mental health history may encourage parent-adolescent communication and increase adolescents' access to mental health care.

Sexual Orientation and Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Latent Profile Approach.

Sexual orientation is multidimensional, yet existing studies often only assess one dimension. This study examines multiple dimensions of sexual orientation in a sample of Hispanic adolescents using a latent profile analysis. The study also examines differences in levels of adolescent family functioning (i.e., parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, family communication) and depressive symptoms by latent profile or subgroup. The study sample consisted of 456 Hispanic adolescents (M = 13.90 years; SD = 1.37). Adolescents self-reported their sexual orientation by responding to the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG), family functioning (parent-adolescent communication, parental involvement, family communication), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) Scale). Latent profile analysis was used to identify heterogeneous groups of adolescents based on their response to the KSOG. A Welch test was used to examine mean levels of depressive symptoms and family functioning across profile membership. We found that a three-class solution (heterosexual: 90%, mostly bisexual: 6.05%, mostly LGBQ: 3.95%) fit the data best. Results from the Welch test indicated significant differences for parent-adolescent communication and depressive symptoms across latent profiles. Existing research indicates that sexual minorities are at a disproportionate risk for adverse health outcomes. These findings corroborate best practice recommendations encouraging researchers to assess multiple dimensions of sexual orientation.

Parent-adolescent discrepancies in perceived parental warmth and authoritarian parenting and early adolescents’ depressive symptoms

This study investigated discrepancies in parents’ and early adolescents’ perceptions of parental warmth and authoritarian parenting about early adolescents’ depressive symptoms, including the mediating effect of parent-adolescent communication. The sample comprised of 2,443 Chinese early adolescents (Mage = 12.64 years, SD=0.23 years; 50.6 % boys) and their parents. Data analysis used latent difference score modeling and structural equation modeling. Parents perceived more parental warmth and authoritarian parenting than did adolescents. Perceived discrepancies in parental warmth and authoritarian parenting between parents and adolescents predicted early adolescent depressive symptoms via the mediating role of parent-adolescent communication. The findings provide new perspectives on interventions for adolescent depressive symptoms.

Parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among secondary public-school students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia: an institution based cross-sectional study.

Effective communication between adolescents and their parents is crucial for reducing sexual health problems. This open dialogue can help address misconceptions, provide accurate information, and foster a supportive environment where adolescents feel comfortable seeking guidance and discussing sensitive issues related to their sexual health. In Ethiopia, with its diverse ethnic and cultural background, effective communication between parents and adolescents about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is crucial in reducing the likelihood of adolescents engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Despite the importance of such communications, there were no data showing the level of parent-adolescent communication (PAC) in secondary public schools in Gondar town. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues along with its influencing factors, among secondary students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. We employed an institution-based cross-sectional study design. A total of 424 students were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique, with a 100% response rate. We developed a structured questionnaire from the related literature to collect data from the participants of the study. The data were entered using EpiData version 4.6, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. The proportion of adolescents who had communicated with their parents was 37.7% (95% CI: 34.65-44.76). In a multivariable analysis at a 95% confidence interval (CI), variables such as being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.09-7.45), belonging to grades 11-12 (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.19-6.98), living with parents/caregivers (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07-5.66), having a positive attitude toward sexual health (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.34-7.82), having poor knowledge about SRH issues (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-7.81), and having good knowledge about the puberty period (AOR=1.23; 95% CI:1.04-7.89) were statistically associated with parent-adolescent communication. This study found a low level of communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. To address this challenge, it is crucial to implement evidence-based education on SRH topics, such as consent, healthy relationships, communication skills, STDs, contraception, and interpersonal dynamics. Enhancing parent-adolescent dialogue on SRH can be achieved by implementing peer education among senior students and training teachers in effective communication techniques. The study also recommended conducting qualitative research to explore the specific barriers affecting parent-adolescent communication.

Parent- and Adolescent-Driven Effects in Emotion-Related Communication and Longitudinal Relationships with Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents.

Communication on emotions is an important aspect of parent-adolescent communication, yet its process and effects remain less examined in families of adolescents. This study examined the bidirectional association between parental responses to adolescents' emotions and adolescents' emotional communication behaviors, and further examined their longitudinal predictive effects on adolescent depressive symptoms. The potential moderating role of adolescent gender was also examined. A total of 503 adolescents (Mage = 13.45, SD = 0.50; 44.73% females) participated in this study, with 438 adolescents completing the three-wave longitudinal survey. Adolescents' emotional communication behaviors, parental responses to emotions, and depressive symptoms were reported. The bidirectional relationship was examined using cross-lagged panel models, while the parent- and adolescent-driven effects of emotional communication on adolescent depressive symptoms and the moderation effect of adolescent gender were examined using multi-group structural equation modeling. The findings revealed gender-specific patterns in parent-adolescent communication on emotions. Significant parent- and adolescent-driven effects of positive communication behaviors on adolescent depressive symptoms were found. However, only negative communication behaviors initiated by parents predicted adolescent depressive symptoms, with this effect mediated by adolescents' negative communication behaviors. This study deepened the understanding of characteristics and effects of parent-child emotional communication during adolescence, which has implications for interventions aiming at improving parent-adolescent relationship and adolescents' mental health.

Adolescent Pornography Exposure, Condom Use, and the Moderating Role of Parental Sexual Health Communication: Replication in a U.S. Probability Sample

ABSTRACT Following calls for an increase in replication studies in communication science as well as multiple other disciplines, the present study provides a direct replication of a pragmatically and theoretically important investigation of U.S. adolescents’ pornography exposure, parent-adolescent sexual health communication, and condomless sex published in this journal. Parent-adolescent sexual health communication has been suggested as a sexual risk-reduction mechanism, but condomless sex among U.S. adolescents is increasing. Simultaneously, pornography remains an extremely popular media genre and condomless sex is the norm in pornographic depictions. The findings of the present study replicated the findings of the original study, with the most notable replicated finding being an interaction between pornography exposure and parent-adolescent sexual health communication on the likelihood of condomless sex. Both in the original and present study, the association between U.S. adolescents’ pornography exposure and likelihood of condomless sex decreased as parental-adolescent sexual health communication increased. Results are discussed in terms of the challenges to examining these particular relationships among U.S. youth and the state of replication in the pornography effects literature.

Psychometric evaluation of the german version of the parent-adolescent communication scale.

The quality of dyadic Parent-Child Communication (PCC) between parents and their adolescent children may be important for the adolescent's general development and mental health during adolescence. Since German instruments for measuring PCC are still lacking, this study aimed to validate the German translation of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), an internationally established self-report questionnaire. To examine the theoretical-based two-factor model of the PACS in a German population sample of 1044 parent-adolescent dyads, confirmatory factor analyses were used. Moreover, the cross-group measurement invariance of the instrument was assessed. Two clinical samples were used to assess discriminative validity. Bland-Altman plots were used to asses parent-adolescent agreement. The two-factor structure of the PACS was supported. Scalar measurement invariance was established for parent age groups and adolescent gender but not for adolescent age groups and parent gender. Convergent and divergent validity were established. Discriminative validity was only established for the adolescent version in the adolescent psychiatry sample. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory, and rater agreement was medium. The German translation of the PACS is a reliable and valid measurement to assess parent-adolescent communication quality per self-report. Research directions include the concordance discrepancy in clinical samples and further investigation of changes in parents' and adolescents' perspectives on communication problems and open communication. Registration: NCT05332236 (clinicaltrials.gov), first registered 2022-04-11.

The TRUST Study-TRansition US Together: Evaluating the Impact of a Parent- and Adolescent-Centered Transition Toolkit on Transition Readiness in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Adolescents with chronic rheumatic disease must increasingly take on more responsibility for disease management from parents as they transition from pediatric to adult care. Yet, there are limited resources to inform and support parents about transition. Here, we evaluate the impact of a Transition Toolkit, geared towards parents and adolescents, on transition readiness, and explore the potential impact of parent-adolescent communication. A prospective cohort study of youths aged 14-18 years old and their parents was performed. Participant demographics, disease characteristics, transition readiness scores (Transition-Q, max 100), and parent-adolescent communication scores (PACS, max 100) were collected at enrollment (when the Transition Toolkit was shared with adolescents and their parents. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses determined the influence of the Toolkit on transition readiness and explored the role of parent-adolescent communication quality. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex. A total of 21 patients were included; 19 completed one post-intervention Transition-Q and 16 completed two. Transition-Q scores increased over time and the rate of increase doubled after the Toolkit was shared (β = 7.8, p < 0.05, and β = 15.5, p < 0.05, respectively). Transition readiness improved at each follow-up, the greatest increase was seen after the Toolkit was shared. Parent-adolescent communication quality did not appear to impact changes in transition readiness.

A Mixed Methods Investigation Examining the PrEP Cascade Among 13-18-Year-Old Latino Adolescent Sexual Minority Men.

Latino adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM) are at high risk of HIV. Limited research has explored the impact of parent-adolescent communication and beliefs on PrEP adoption among Latino ASMM. Our objective was to examine how parental support and beliefs influence decisions regarding PrEP use. We analyzed PrEP-related attitudes and behaviors within a national cohort of 524 Latino ASMM aged 13-18. Out of the participants, 60.5% were suitable for PrEP. Among them, 59.7% were in the precontemplation stage (stage 1), indicating a lack of willingness or belief of unsuitability. However, 86.4% moved to reach the contemplation stage (stage 2), demonstrating willingness and suitability for PrEP. Only 16.8% moved on to the PrEParation stage (stage 3), indicating their intention to start using PrEP. Furthermore, 4.3% progressed to the PrEP action stage and initiation (stage 4), signifying they had received a prescription, and all reported high adherence (stage 5). Factors associated with reaching later stages included older age, parental support of sexual orientation, and previous HIV/STI testing. The qualitative findings revealed diverse attitudes towards parental involvement in PrEP care among Latino ASMM, including positive, negative, and ambivalent perspectives. Notably, Spanish-speaking participants expressed specific barriers to PrEP communication between ASMM and their parents. Given that parental support and attitudes emerged as significant factors in both our quantitative and qualitative findings, it is evident that public health approaches aiming to disseminate education and awareness about PrEP to parents and families could alleviate the burden on adolescents to educate their parents and enhance support.

Barriers to the Father-adolescent Sexual Communication: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Purpose: The majority of research on parent-adolescent sexual communication has predominantly focused on mothers, leaving fathers’ involvement in this matter largely unexplored. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the obstacles hindering sexual communication between fathers and adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 196 fathers of adolescents aged 15 to 19 from August 2020 to January 2021 in northern Iran. A socio-demographic medical information form, a culturally validated parent-adolescent sexual communication barriers questionnaire, and the sexual communication topics between parents and adolescents were used to gather information. A logistic regression test was administered using SPSS software, version 18 to determine the barriers to sexual communication. Results: The mean age was 47.38±5.04 for fathers, 16.79±1.46 for boys, and 17.00±1.30 for girls. The prevalence of father-girl sexual communication (51.1%) was lower than that of father-boy sexual communication (55.8%). The most frequent barriers to fathers’ sexual communication with both genders were the adolescent’s embarrassment and the possibility of provoking their curiosity about sex. The logistic regressions showed that adolescents’ embarrassment and not trusting them and approving of them having sex were barriers to father-adolescent sexual communication (P&lt;0.001). Conversely, adolescents asking more private questions were positive predictors of father-adolescent sexual conversation (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The findings underscore the prevalence of adolescent embarrassment and concerns about sparking curiosity about sex as key obstacles to such communication. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of adolescents feeling trusted and supported by their fathers in discussing sexual topics. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these barriers and promote healthier, more open communication between fathers and adolescents regarding sexual matters.