Adolescents who used condoms at first intercourse were 20 times more likely to use condoms regularly in subsequent acts. Adolescents who did not discuss sex or condoms with their mothers showed a stronger correspondence between peer norms and their own behavior compared with adolescents who did discuss sex or condoms with their mothers. This can be a problem if peers do not encourage responsible behavior. Characteristics related to parental skill and sensitivity in discussing sex include having accurate information about the topics, talking openly and freely rather than lecturing or threatening, welcoming questions from the adolescent, and listening to the adolescent's concerns and feelings about the topics. It encompasses learning about sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image, and gender roles.
Issues related to sexuality become more salient as sexual feelings emerge in early adolescence.
The sexual foundation built within the family through verbal and nonverbal communication and modeling of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about sexuality plays an important role in fostering a sexually healthy adolescent. The results underscore the significant role mothers can play in preventing HIV among adolescents and highlight the importance of parents being able to discuss sex in an open and responsive way. Programs should seek to involve parents in their children's HIV prevention education. In addition, separate programs that provide parents with skills and strategies to talk with their children about sexuality throughout childhood are of great value. Manuscript submitted for publication.