Youth-parent communication and youth sexual behavior: implications for physicians

Abstract

Background and objectives: This study explores youth and parent agreement about conversations on specific topics related to sexual risk behavior and youth-parent relationship. The study's objective was to determine if the amount of agreement was associated with youth sexual behavior.

Methods: Data were collected using a computer-assisted data entry system from one parent and one youth in 1,350 randomly selected households in inner-city areas of two Midwestern cities.

Results: Youth-parent positive agreement scores about these conversations were significant after controlling for youth age, race, gender, family structure, and parental income and education. Scores were associated with youth abstinence and with the use of contraception if the youth had become sexually active.

Conclusions: In this study, youth-parent agreement regarding their communication was associated with positive youth behaviors, including abstinence and the use of contraception if sexually active.