Parent-adolescent Sexual Communication Research Articles

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

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.

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<0.001). Conversely, adolescents asking more private questions were positive predictors of father-adolescent sexual conversation (P<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.

Adolescent Barriers to Sexual Communication with Their Parents: Differences by Sexual and Gender Identity

ABSTRACT Parent-adolescent sexual communication has important health benefits for adolescents, yet not all families openly communicate about sex. In particular, adolescents often report various barriers to engaging in sexual communication with their parents. The purpose of this study was to address gaps in past research by examining barriers to communication with both mothers and fathers, separately, as well as to explore the unique barriers to communication among queer and trans adolescents. Participants were recruited via Instagram (n = 566; Mage = 16.0; 57.6% cisgender girls; 41.4% heterosexual). The most endorsed barrier to communicating with mothers was the adolescent believing they already knew enough about sexual topics. The most endorsed barrier for communicating with fathers was embarrassment. The least endorsed barriers included mother’s lack of knowledge, and perceptions of anger from fathers when discussing sexuality. Several differences emerged by sexual and gender identity: cisgender girls and trans adolescents tended to agree more with barriers to communication with parents compared to cisgender boys. Additionally, queer adolescents tended to agree more with barriers to communication with parents than their heterosexual peers, although group differences depended on the particular barrier. These findings highlight specific barriers to parent-adolescent sexual communication faced by various groups of youth.

Barriers and facilitators of parent-adolescent communication on sexual health and relationships among the UK population: A study protocol.

Improving the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents remains a public health priority. Effective communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexual health and relationships is important and could influence adolescents to adopt safer sexual behaviors. However, several barriers can impede this communication in the UK population. The aim of the review is to explore barriers and facilitators, as well as wider determinants of parent-adolescent communication (PAC) on sexual health and relationships. The review will explore possible interventions aimed at promoting PACon sexual health and relationships. The review will focus on exploring barriers and facilitators of PACon sexual health and relationships in the United Kingdom. This study will synthesize qualitative literature to understand the significance of parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication, the challenges and facilitators to effective communication in the United Kingdom. Using a detailed predetermined search strategy, the study will search for relevant studies from CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and gray literature on Google Scholar. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programchecklist will appraise the included studies'methodological quality. A thematic synthesis approach will be used to synthesize data from included studies. Findings from the systematic review are expected to give information on the barriers and facilitators of PACon sexual health and relationships which will further optimize interventions to improve this type of communication and guide future research in understanding this area. The review has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD (PROSPERO) (CRD42022351697).

The Interaction of Attitude, Intention, and Behavior During Sexual Communication

Parents need to have a positive attitude in establishing sexual communication with adolescent. Sexual communication in this study is a principal means of transmitting sexual values, beliefs, expectations, and knowledge from parents to adolescent. A representative and eligible sample was randomly obtained with a total of 315 respondents. The respondents of this study were parents (41–50 years old) who had teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 years, and had to live together for at least 6 months before the survey was conducted. Three instruments were used; scale of attitudes toward sexual communication, intention to engage sexual communication, and sexual communication behavior of parents–adolescents. Based on the results of mediation tests, it shows that parental attitudes influence parent–adolescent sexual communication behavior through the intention to engage in sexual communication (P = 0.013). A positive attitude toward sexual communication is recommended to encourage parents to conduct sexual communication with adolescents to prevent adolescents from engaging in risky sexual behavior.
 Keywords: attitude, intention, risky sexual behavior, sexual communication

Parental Engagement in Promoting Awareness of Contraceptive Use among Female Students in Nigeria and Cameroon

Despite government and non-governmental organizations' efforts, contraceptive utilization in Nigeria remains low. Similarly, Cameroon faces high maternal mortality and low contraceptive prevalence. Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant social and public health concern globally, necessitating efforts to promote contraceptive use. Parent-adolescent sexual communication is often viewed as taboo in Nigeria and Cameroon, hindering awareness about contraceptive use. This study examines the role of parents in creating awareness of contraceptive use among female university students in Nigeria and Cameroon. The study adopts a comparative approach, investigating the cultural role of parents in awareness creation for contraceptive use in Nigeria and Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 female university students in both countries. The findings highlight the valuable role of parents in shaping adolescents' knowledge and behavior regarding contraceptive use. Recommendations include enhancing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, promoting parent-adolescent communication, addressing cultural barriers, improving contraceptive access, and conducting further research. Implementing these recommendations can empower adolescents with accurate information, foster supportive parent-adolescent relationships, and enhance sexual and reproductive health outcomes among young people.

Teenage pregnancy matters in refugee setup: early pregnancy among adolescent girls in Kule refugee camp, Gambella, Ethiopia

BackgroundAn estimated 21 million adolescent girls become pregnant with nearly half of these pregnancies being unintended, and more than half end in unsafe abortion in low and middle-income countries every year. Teenage pregnancy causes serious health, social, and economic consequences around the globe. Despite it is a common problem in the whole community it is more devastating when this occurs in a refugee setup. This study assessed the magnitude of teenage pregnancy in the Kule refugee camp, in Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based mixed cross-sectional study was done among 422 adolescent girls. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. A structured, pre-tested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength and direction of the association. For the qualitative part, four focused group discussion sessions were done, and participants were selected purposely. Thematic analysis was used to analyze, and the finding was triangulated with quantitative findings.ResultA total of 146 adolescents (34.6%, 95% CI: (29.9, 38.9)) have experienced pregnancy at least one time. Age (≤ 16) [AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.85)], not attending school [AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: (1.2, 10.8)], having a mother with no history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: (0.21, 0.98)], being unmarried [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: (0.12, 0.36)], and having a sister/s with a history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: (1.33, 3.7)] were significantly associated factors.ConclusionMore than one-third of adolescents experience teenage pregnancy. The magnitude of teenage pregnancy was high which may lead to serious health consequences for both the mother and their fetus. Addressing cultural barriers and strengthening adolescent reproductive health education to decrease intergenerational transmission of teenage pregnancy through community awareness and strengthening reproductive parent-adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health communication are important measures to tackle the problem.

A systematic review of effective parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health information communication in lower- and middle-income countries

Background: Parents play an important role in the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of their adolescents. Parent–adolescent SRH information communication is cardinal and is expected to improve SRH outcomes of adolescents.Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to search for effective SRH information communication interventions in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform the adaptation of parent–adolescent SRH information communication intervention.Method: This is the first phase of an explanatory sequential mixed method study. The systematic review was carried out by employing Joanna Briggs Institute software for reviews. Search sources included Cochrane Reviews Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct. A systematic search strategy was formulated, making use of the key terms: adolescent, teenager, youth, parent, mother, father, caregiver, reproductive, sexual, health, information, communication and intervention.Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria for full-text screening. The interventions included addressed sociodemographic covariates; parent–adolescent general communication; parental monitoring; parent–adolescent communication about sex-related topics; parent’s sexual communication skills; parent’s self-efficacy in sexual communication; parent’s responsiveness to sexual communication; communication frequency; quality of sex‑related communication and information-motivational-behavioural skills.Conclusion: Findings suggest that evidence-based SRH information communication interventions are effective in improving parent–adolescent SRH information communication to optimise safe SRH behaviour in LMICs.Contribution: This systematic review identified effective SRH information communication interventions in LMICs, which can form the basis of further qualitative exploration for adaptation of a culturally sensitive intervention in Ghana.

The interactive roles of religion, parenting, and sex communication in adolescent sexual risk-taking

The present study used longitudinal person-centered analyses to understand how parent religiosity, parenting styles, and parent-adolescent sex communication interact in predicting adolescent sexual risk-taking over time. The sample included 681 adolescents and their parents (Mage = 15, at wave 5) from Waves 5 and 6 of the Flourishing Families Project. Variables capturing parent religiosity, parenting styles, and parent-adolescent sex communication were used as class indicators in a latent profile analysis. Three classes emerged: (1) Non-religious Authoritative families, (2) Religious Authoritarian families, and (3) Religious Authoritative families. The Non-religious Authoritative and Religious Authoritarian families did not significantly differ on later adolescent sexual risk-taking (controlling for prior sexual risk-taking), while the Religious Authoritative families had adolescents with significantly lower subsequent sexual risk-taking. These results demonstrate the complex ways in which religion, parenting, and sex communication interact in predicting adolescent sexual risk-taking. Thus, both the content and process of sexual socialization may be important.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Adolescents: A Review of Practices to Support Better Communication, Counseling, and Adherence.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, including levonorgestrel and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the subdermal contraceptive implant, are the most effective reversible forms of contraception and thus are an important aspect of adolescent pregnancy prevention. While LARC efficacy, safety, and appropriateness are supported by major medical organizations and usage rates are increasing, overall LARC uptake among United States (US) adolescents remains lower than uptake of short-acting contraceptive methods. A better understanding of the barriers affecting adolescent LARC uptake and reasons for discontinuation could help facilitate effective communication. For example, learning how to improve adolescent-centered communication, shared decision-making, and motivational counseling strategies may be the first step to improving utilization rates. This narrative review includes three sections. First, this review will describe the history, mechanisms of action, and epidemiology of adolescent LARC use in the US and globally. Next, this review will describe key factors influencing adolescent LARC uptake, reasons for discontinuation, and multilevel barriers specific to adolescent LARC use. Finally, this review will characterize communication techniques and LARC counseling strategies for adolescents in the context of a reproductive justice approach set in the health belief model framework. The distinction between moving away from a presumptive counseling approach towards an adolescent-centered, shared decision-making approach to encourage parent-adolescent sexual health communication to lay the foundation of empowering adolescent reproductive autonomy should be the underpinning of all effective reproductive communication strategies.

Pengaruh self-efficacy terhadap perilaku komunikasi seksual orang tua-remaja yang dimediasi oleh niat

Adolescence is a time when individuals begin to explore and experiment with sex. Parents play an important role in directing and providing support to adolescents regarding sexuality so that adolescents do not fall into unwanted things. Integrated Behavior Model (IBM) theory is a theory that suppresses individual behavior change determined by intention. Intention cannot be formed without self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of self-efficacy on parent-adolescent sexual communication behavior mediated by intention. This research uses a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. The subjects of this study were 315 parents who came from various cities in Indonesia and had teenage children aged 14-17 years. Analysis of the data in this study uses mediation analysis to measure that the intention to be a mediator of self-efficacy on sexual communication behavior. The results showed that self-efficacy had a direct effect on the estimate value -0.037 and indirectly or through the intention on parent-adolescent sexual communication behavior with an estimate value 0.013. It is also hoped that parents can increase the desire to engage in sexual communication with their teenagers. Keywords: Intentions, self-efficacy, sexual communication, sexual communication behavior

Home-Based Sexuality Education in Ghana: The Perspectives of Adolescents and Parents

The extant literature has explored sexuality education from the perspectives of the adolescents, but the views of parents are largely neglected. The few studies that have examined the views of both parents and adolescents are selective in scope, coverage, and assessment. There is thus, a dearth of data on the type of topics discussed and the frequency of parent-adolescent sexual communication. The present study sought to explore adolescents’ lived experiences of sexuality education and its impact on their sexual and reproductive health. To achieve this, a qualitative research design with a semi-structured interview was employed to gather data from thirty parents and adolescents in Ablekuma South Metropolis. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in analyzing the data with each theme showing divergence categories of experiences of sexuality education although the views of both parents and adolescents on each category were similar. Parent-adolescent sex communication showed frequently discussed topics and the less discussed ones. Perceptions of sexuality education revealed both positive and negative perceptions. Perceived impact of sexuality education also brought to light both positive and negative impacts. It is recommended that stakeholders ought to institutionalize diverse behavior change interventions such as interpersonal communication and skills training aimed at empowering both parents and adolescents to communicate explicitly about sexuality rather than using euphemisms and timing techniques.

Parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health including HIV and STIs in Oman

ABSTRACT Parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication plays an important role in reducing sexual risk behaviour and preventing HIV. We sought to enhance limited information about the unique barriers to parent-adolescent SRH communication in the Arab states. This mixed-methods study, using a two-phase sequential explorative design, was conducted in 15 public secondary schools (with grades 5 to 10 students aged 10 to 15 years) in Oman. In phase one, 15 parents participated in two single-sex focus group discussions and two in-depth individual interviews. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. In phase two, a convenience sample of 250 parents completed a paper-based self-administered questionnaire. Findings showed that parents rarely communicated with their children about SRH concerns, including HIV. Barriers to more open parent-adolescent SRH communication include the fear that such discussion might encourage early sexual debut; feelings of shyness, discomfort and shame; associated socio-cultural taboos; gender mismatch; and lack of SRH knowledge. Findings suggest the need for parental SRH education and training and school based SRH education programmes to improve adolescent SRH. Experience developing these may be helpful to other countries with similar religious beliefs and socio-cultural traditions seeking to improve parent-adolescent SRH communication.

Exploring Parent-gender Differences in Parent and Adolescent Reports of the Frequency, Quality, and Content of Their Sexual Health Communication

ABSTRACT Parent-adolescent sexual health communication (SHC) is a protective factor that can reduce adverse adolescent sexual health outcomes, and the frequency, quality, and content of SHC predicts its effectiveness. However, research on this topic has been limited in scope, overwhelmingly focused on mothers; and often has only included the parent or adolescent perspective, not both members of the dyad. Using secondary cross-sectional data, this study used ANCOVA, logistic regression, correlational, and chi-square analyses to investigate parent-gender differences in parent-adolescent SHC. Participants included 341 parent-adolescent dyads. Compared to fathers, mothers rated parent-adolescent SHC as more important and more comfortable, and had greater self-efficacy for and fewer reservations about SHC than fathers. Mothers also reported talking more frequently and more broadly with their child about sexual health than fathers. Adolescent-reported frequency, quality, and content of parent-adolescent SHC did not differ significantly by parent gender, except for one sexual health topic. Dyadic analyses revealed that mothers and their children tended to agree more in their reports of parent-adolescent SHC than fathers and their children. These findings suggest that fathers may need additional resources to help them confidently engage in effective parent-adolescent SHC.

Observed Comfort in Sexual Communication between Mothers and Adolescents

Research on parent-adolescent sexual communication has often used self-report measures despite discrepancies among family members. The current study was designed to use a multi-method approach to better understand mother-adolescent sexual communication. This study examined maternal and adolescent self-reports on sexual communication and observed ratings of mothers’ and adolescents’ comfort during an interaction task. Participants were recruited from a mid-sized Canadian city and included 68 dyads of mothers and adolescents who were between 12 and 17 years old. Based on an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM), results indicated that mothers’ observed comfort was positively associated with adolescent girls’ but not boys’ reports of sexual communication. Findings suggest the importance of using a multi-method approach to studying parent-adolescent sexual communication and the role of gender in parent-adolescent sexual communication.

Parent-Adolescent Sex Communication with Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: An Integrated Review.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience adverse sexual health outcomes at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Although parent-adolescent sex communication (PASC) is associated with improved sexual health outcomes among heterosexual youth, less is known about PASC with SGM youth. Studies describing experiences of SGM youth and parents during PASC and/or health outcomes of PASC were reviewed. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, and six themes emerged. These included: (1) limited communication and barriers to communication, (2) impact of SGM disclosure on communication, (3) HIV and/or sexually transmitted disease-focused communication, (4) heteronormative communication, (5) outcomes of communication, and (6) youth preferences for PASC. Parent-adolescent sex communication was complicated by barriers to communication and was limited, heteronormative, and influenced by SGM disclosure. Parent-adolescent sex communication may improve sexual health outcomes, but adequate parental education and guidance is lacking. This review identifies ways that health providers can foster positive and inclusive PASC.

Evaluation of effectiveness of a sexuality education program for parents of male adolescents: promoting of parent-adolescent sexual communication.

Parents play a significant role in promoting of healthy sexuality in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a sexuality education intervention program to enhance parent-adolescent sexual communication. This study was a randomized controlled field trial. Parents of male adolescent aged 13-16 years were recruited from eight public all-boys high schools in Karaj, Iran. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used and 102 parents were assigned into intervention and control groups. The recruitment and data collection process lasted from February to November 2019. Self-report demographic questionnaire and six general parenting and parent-adolescent sexual communication measures were used to assess the impact of intervention. Sexuality education program was presented for the parents of intervention group, in the form of four weekly 2-h sessions. Parents were assessed at the baseline, within one week post-intervention, and three-month follow-up to evaluate the outcome variables. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, two-sample t-test, general linear model analyses, and Bonferroni test. In terms of parent-adolescent general communication, parental monitoring, parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics, parent's sexual communication skills, parent's self-efficacy, and responsiveness to sexual communication. There were no significant differences between intervention and control groups at the baseline (p>0.05). Compared to controls, intervention parents reported more improvement in general communication across the time; however, significant differences were not observed regarding general communication and parental monitoring (p=0.94, p=0.95). Parents in the intervention group significantly differed from those in the control group for the mean scores of parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics (p=0.04), parent's sexual communication skills (p=0.04), parent's self-efficacy (p=0.002), and responsiveness (p<0.001) to sexual communication at each follow-up. We identified the educational program as a promising tool for improving parent-adolescent communication regarding sexuality-related issues. This program provides the evidence for implementation of parent-based sexuality education programs.

Sexual Communication between Parents and Adolescents: Perception of Secondary School Students in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the characterization of parent-adolescents’ sexual communication of secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. 411 adolescents were selected using multistage sampling techniques. Quantitative data was obtained with a semi-structured questionnaire. An in-depth interview was carried out to further explore parent-adolescent sexual communication as a representation of the qualitative data. Both quantitative and qualitative data collected were analysed using descriptive and thematic content analyses. Results revealed that most (64.5%) of the respondents had moderate perception of parent-adolescent communication. The findings of the qualitative analysis revealed themes of sexual communication including puberty, abstinence from sex, and HIV/AIDS. Parents’ awareness to sexual communication promoting was associated to physical changes during puberty and adolescents’ attitudes. Although, adolescents prefer to discuss sexual issues with their mothers, time factor for such discussion was a major constraint. In addition, adolescent perceived unwillingness on the part of parent to initiate or sustain sexual communication issues despite their knowledgeability. Adolescents perceived that their parents are knowledgeable about sexual communication but not willing to communicate sexual issues with them. The study concludes that parents’ unwillingness for sexual talk and time factors could pose threats to achieving effective parent-adolescent sexual communication. Hence, it is recommended that parents should engage in timely communication on sexual related issues often during early adolescence phase. It is imperative for fathers also, to create a conducive atmosphere for active sexual communication with their children especially male adolescents.

Is There More Than One Way to Talk About Sex? A Longitudinal Growth Mixture Model of Parent–Adolescent Sex Communication

PurposeParents can be effective and consistent sex educators of their children, but research suggests that most parents only engage in a one-time talk about sex with their children. That being said, we know little about the potential variability in trajectories of parent–child sex communication over time. Thus, the present study took a person-centered approach to parent–child sex communication about sexual risk and explored predictors and outcomes of varying trajectories. MethodsParticipants included 468 adolescents and their parents who took part in a longitudinal study every year from ages 14–18 years (52% female, 67% white, and 33% single parents). ResultsGrowth mixture modeling suggested four different trajectories of parent–child sex communication using child reports and two different trajectories using mother and father reports, with the majority of parents displaying low and stable levels of communication over time. Predictors and outcomes suggested that varying trajectories were in part a function of child behaviors (i.e., early sexual debut and externalizing behaviors), and mothers who reported trajectories of moderate-stable levels of communication had children who reported safer sex practices at age 21 years. ConclusionsThe discussion focused on the benefits of longitudinal, person-centered approaches at identifying variability in parenting and the implications of findings for those concerned about the need for parental education on the importance of sex communication across adolescence.