Laura L Edwards1, Janet S Reis2. 1. Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. 2. College of Health Sciences, Boise State University.
Abstract
AIM: This study investigated how parents living with HIV communicated about HIV prevention with their 10-18 year old children. METHODS: Interviews with 76 mothers and fathers were analyzed for (1) their experiences discussing HIV prevention with adolescents, and (2) advice on how to best broach HIV-related topics. RESULTS: Interactive conversations, where both parents and adolescents participated, were regarded as effective. Parents emphasized that adolescents should have a "voice" (be able to voice their concerns) and a "choice" (have a variety of effective prevention strategies to choose from) during HIV-related talks. DISCUSSION: A five step process for interactive communication emerged as a result of these discussions. IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals can facilitate adolescent sexual health by encouraging parents to actively involve their children in discussions about HIV prevention. CONCLUSION: Future HIV prevention programs could benefit by providing parents with appropriate tools to foster interactive discussions about sexual health with adolescents.
AIM: This study investigated how parents living with HIV communicated about HIV prevention with their 10-18 year old children. METHODS: Interviews with 76 mothers and fathers were analyzed for (1) their experiences discussing HIV prevention with adolescents, and (2) advice on how to best broach HIV-related topics. RESULTS: Interactive conversations, where both parents and adolescents participated, were regarded as effective. Parents emphasized that adolescents should have a "voice" (be able to voice their concerns) and a "choice" (have a variety of effective prevention strategies to choose from) during HIV-related talks. DISCUSSION: A five step process for interactive communication emerged as a result of these discussions. IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals can facilitate adolescent sexual health by encouraging parents to actively involve their children in discussions about HIV prevention. CONCLUSION: Future HIV prevention programs could benefit by providing parents with appropriate tools to foster interactive discussions about sexual health with adolescents.
Authors: Rosalie Corona; Burton O Cowgill; Laura M Bogart; Michelle T Parra; Gery Ryan; Marc N Elliott; Susan K Park; Jennifer Patch; Mark A Schuster Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2008-11-20