Introduction: In 1999, through a statewide competitive process, the California Department of Health Services funded 134 Community Challenge Grant (CCG) programs to reduce the number of teenage and unwed pregnancies, the fatherlessness that results from these pregnancies, and to promote responsible parenting. Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide baseline data concerning parental attitudes on sex education and sexual behavior of their teens and to determine differences between ethnic groups. Methodology: A sample of 1079 parents of adolescents, from 25 agencies, completed a survey measuring parental attitudes on the appropriateness and content of sex education, parental attitudes on sexual behavior, and parent/child communication regarding sex. Results: Baseline levels of parental attitudes on the content of sex education and sexual behavior differed by ethnicity. Preliminary analyses show that parental responses varied by these factors when asked whether they wanted their child to abstain from sex until marriage (84% Asians, 72% Latinos, 37% Whites, and 59% others answered "yes"), and whether basic facts of reproduction should be included in sex education (64% Asians, 92% Latinos, 93% Whites, and 90% others answered "yes"). Conclusions: These results suggest that parental attitudes regarding sex education and sexual behavior vary among ethnic groups. These differences may contribute to the ethnic differences observed in teens' attitudes concerning sexuality and sex education, and thus may impact teen pregnancy rates. Findings from this study suggest that in addition to providing education to teens, programs also need to target their parents with culturally appropriate sex education.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify several areas where ethnic differences of parents affect their attitudes towards sex education and sexual behavior of their adolescents. 2. Discuss the implications of implementing culturally appropriate family planning and teenage pregnancy prevention interventions and programs.
Keywords: Ethnicity, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Department of Health Services: Community Challenge Grant and select fundees (none of whom will be individually identified)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Evaluator/Researcher