STUDY OBJECTIVE: To understand adolescent girls' use of "I don't know" within the context of discussing information related to sexual attitudes and behaviors. DESIGN: Qualitative analysis of seven focus groups with adolescent girls. SETTING: Urban primary care clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent girls (n = 23) with a mean age of 16.4 years (range 14 to 18 years). Fifty-two percent were African-American, 26% were Caucasian, 17% were Hispanic/Latino, and 5% were Asian. RESULTS: The use of "I don't know" served three functions: (1) place holder, (2) lack of commitment to an opinion; and (3) reduction of commitment to an opinion or belief. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that girls use "I don't know" when asked about their thoughts and opinions related to sexual health, and that its use can have varying implications. Discriminating the intent may help providers respond appropriately. Responses should include providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which girls can express their feelings and opinions regarding their sexual health.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To understand adolescent girls' use of "I don't know" within the context of discussing information related to sexual attitudes and behaviors. DESIGN: Qualitative analysis of seven focus groups with adolescent girls. SETTING: Urban primary care clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent girls (n = 23) with a mean age of 16.4 years (range 14 to 18 years). Fifty-two percent were African-American, 26% were Caucasian, 17% were Hispanic/Latino, and 5% were Asian. RESULTS: The use of "I don't know" served three functions: (1) place holder, (2) lack of commitment to an opinion; and (3) reduction of commitment to an opinion or belief. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that girls use "I don't know" when asked about their thoughts and opinions related to sexual health, and that its use can have varying implications. Discriminating the intent may help providers respond appropriately. Responses should include providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which girls can express their feelings and opinions regarding their sexual health.
Authors: Jessica Roberts Williams; Candace W Burton; Jocelyn C Anderson; Rosa M Gonzalez-Guarda Journal: Nurs Res Date: 2020 Nov/Dec Impact factor: 2.381
Authors: Candace W Burton; Bonnie Halpern-Felsher; Sally H Rankin; Roberta S Rehm; Janice C Humphreys Journal: J Adv Nurs Date: 2011-01-24 Impact factor: 3.187
Authors: Rebecca K Tsevat; Carmen Radecki Breitkopf; Sara E Landers; Ariel M de Roche; Christine Mauro; Lisa S Ipp; Marina Catallozzi; Susan L Rosenthal Journal: J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics Date: 2018-08-13 Impact factor: 1.742