Parent–child communication about abstinence and safer sex in parochial school families

ABSTRACT

Familial values, attitudes, and other social characteristics can influence adolescent decision-making. These beliefs and those set forward by religious doctrine contribute to delays in sexual debut. Using both qualitative (N = 52) and quantitative (N = 140) methods and framed by the theory of planned behavior, this study examined parent–child HIV sexual risk communication (PCHSRC) among parents of children attending Catholic parochial schools. Significant correlations were found between PCHSRC, normative and control beliefs, and intentions. Predictors of PCHSRC included control beliefs, age of child, and race. Predictive barriers included behavioral and control beliefs, family normative beliefs, and being Hispanic. Being Catholic was not a significant predictor of PCHSRC beliefs or behaviors. Members of religious conservative groups have unique PCHSRC and prevention needs; interventions focused on HIV risk reduction behaviors must target knowledge, increase parental comfort, and provide guidance on timing of communication.

KEYWORDS:

• attitudes and beliefs
• HIV sexual risk communication
• parent–child communication
• parochial school
• theory of planned behavior

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by grants from the University Research Foundation at the University of Pennsylvania and the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania.