Set the P.A.C.E.!: Results of an HIV Prevention Intervention for Mothers of Young Children

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test the efficacy of an HIV prevention intervention to encourage effective parenting and communication between mothers and their 6- to 12-year-old children. The overall goal of the program was to involve mothers in HIV prevention efforts for their children. Three hundred six predominantly African American mothers and their children participated. Mothers attending the intervention were more likely to discuss sexuality-related topics and to state that they intended to discuss sexuality issues with their children at younger ages than did mothers in the control group. The study demonstrates that providing mothers with information and skills can increase their awareness of the need to provide age-appropriate sexuality education to their children, including specific information about HIV and its health consequences, and to encourage their children to adopt behaviors that reduce their chances of contracting HIV.

KEYWORDS:

• children
• HIV prevention programs
• parenting
• sexuality communication
• sexuality education
• Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS) guidelines

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant R01 HD39541-02. The authors also would like to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

Notes

Note: The t and χ² statistics used to determine group differences for means and proportions, respectively.

*Groups differed at p < .05.

Notes: ^a Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, child age at baseline, and baseline value of general sex-related discussion.

^b Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, child age at baseline, and baseline value of non–sex-related risks discussion.

Bolded values indicated statistical significance.

Note: ^a Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, child age at baseline, and baseline value of general sex-related discussion.

Note: ^a Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, child age at baseline, and baseline value of general sex-related discussion.

^b Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, child age at baseline, and baseline value of non–sex-related risks discussion.

Note: ^a Controlling for presence of adult male in home, child sex, and child age at baseline.