Parental attitudes toward adolescent sexuality: transcultural perspectives

Abstract

The problem of teenage pregnancy continues to impact private and public resources, affecting all socioeconomic and cultural groups. A key factor for nurse practitioners to consider when planning sex education programs is the differing parental attitudes toward teenage sexuality. These attitudes are especially important to keep in mind when dealing with parents from minority cultural groups, as these groups are often highly influential in determining the nature of adolescent sexual behavior and attitudes toward reproduction. A study of Cuban and Haitian child-rearing practices clearly demonstrates two divergent parental views of adolescent sexuality. Nurse practitioners must recognize these differing views, and individualize their approach, in order to develop culturally sensitive sex education programs for adolescents and their parents. Suggestions are provided for development of such programs for Cuban and Haitian parents and children.

PIP: Teenage pregnancy continues to impact private and public resources in America. 1 key factor for nurse practitioners teaching sex education is to keep in mind the differing attitudes various cultural groups have toward teenage sex. A study of Cuban and Haitian child-rearing practices demonstrates such cultural differences. 30 Cuban and 30 Haitian mothers composed the voluntary sample obtained through the Dade County Health Department and local churches. The sample consisted of women born and raised in Cuba or Haiti who had resided in the US for 4 years or less and had children ranging in age from infancy through adolescence. Subjects were interviewed in their homes using a 110-item questionnaire adapted from the FIELD GUIDE FOR A STUDY OF SOCIALIZATION. The Cuban female learned about menstruation at a median age of 10 years. For 85% of the sample, this information was obtained from their mothers or in school classes. Most children learned about sex from sex education classes at school or through parent-child discussions. Intercourse was explained as being a normal process of human reproduction. Haitian females, on the other hand, were introduced to the topic of menstruation at the onset of the menses (at about age 13). Only 26% of the Haitian mothers stated that parents or schools provided such information. When parents gave such information, it centered around being careful around boys to avoid pregnancy. 50% of Haitian mothers did not know when children learned about intercourse since it was never discussed with children. Parents who did discuss sex with their children focused on the negative consequences of unplanned pregnancy. Nurse practitioners must consider the fact that Cuban parents expect the school system to take the initiative in providing health education instruction for their children. The nurse practitioner's most effective role may be to assist in developing school-based sex education programs and working with parent-teacher associations to encourage parent participation in school programs. Haitian clients require a different approach. Nurse practitioners may find it difficult to engage Haitian parents in discussions about sex education and reproduction since these topics are not necessarily considered to be health-related and are not discussed with strangers. One alternative would be for health care providers to join forces with social service agencies who often have Haitian personnel serving residential enclaves of Haitians. The challenge to nurse practitioners is to demonstrate respect for cultural traditions while planning interventions which are mutually acceptable and satisfying.