A Pilot Project to Increase Parent Comfort Communicating with their Children about Sexual Health

Abstract

Risky sexual behaviors among U.S. adolescents have resulted in epidemic rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancy. This article describes a community-developed pilot program for parents in a large South Florida county aimed at increasing parent comfort in discussing sexuality with their children to improve adolescent sexual health. Program development, implementation, and evaluation of the “Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Communicating about Sexuality” are described. Results of pre- and post-test comparisons show improvements in participants’ comfort level and perceived positive outcomes of discussing sexuality. Other Florida counties are considering implementing this successful community-driven initiative.

KEYWORDS:

• Parent comfort
• sexuality
• sexual health
• risky sexual behaviors
• discussing sexuality