Christina Ross
University of Virginia, USA
Title: The Effectiveness of Influential and Informative Adolescent and Caregiver Communication in Fostering Positive Sexual Health Practices Among Female African American Adolescents
Biography
Biography: Christina Ross
Abstract
Introduction: In 2014, youths between the ages of 13 and 24 accounted for approximately 22% of new HIV infections. African American youths have disproportionate rates of STD infection and teenage pregnancy in comparison to other races. There is a need for interventions to effectively address the alarming rates of STDs and teenage pregnancy disparity among African American Adolescents.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of influential and informative adolescent and caregiver communication in fostering positive sexual health practices among female African American adolescents, and generate future implications for necessary interventions.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases. There were four main inclusion criteria for study selection: 1) Black or African American females; 2) Adolescents aged 12 – 19 years old; 3) African American parents or caregiver’s sexual health education and parenting strategies, and 4) Research conducted between 2010 to 2015. Fifteen studies were included in the literature review, in addition to online generated sources.
Results: Communication with adolescents regarding sexual health education have been effective in promoting increased use of contraceptive methods, delay in the initiation of sexual activity and adolescents’ better understanding of options related to reproductive health. Mothers are often the primary communicator in sexual health education. Negatively, many parents and caregivers lack the adequate supporting resources to fully engage in communication with adolescents regarding sexual health education.
Conclusions: Every family dynamic varies; therefore, one strategy might be more beneficial in one household in comparison to another. However, adolescents reported scare tactics, withholding information, close monitoring and dishonesty were the least effective parental strategies. As a result, caregivers should be open and willing to sit with their children and engage in any dialogue, which will open the door for comfort in sharing concerning information between caregivers and adolescents.