Caring Adults: A Brief Report Assessing Adults’ Needs in Feeling More Comfortable Having Sexual Health Conversations with Youth in South Texas

Abstract

Objectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded project in South Texas, this study sought to understand adults’ needs with regard to engaging in sexual health conversations with youth and young adults.

Methods: A total of 223 participants were surveyed to assess comfort engaging in sexual health conversations. Data were analyzed using thematic coding. Stigma surrounding sexual health conversations underlined all themes.

Results: Differences by gender and sexual orientation in the data were noted. Stigma around sexual health topics reduced participants’ comfort.

Conclusions: To this end, interventions must go beyond psychosocial and educational programs and address societal factors that contribute to the stigma.

Keywords:

• Sexual Health
• HIV prevention
• sexual orientation
• sexuality education

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.