Latina mothers' communication with their adolescent children about sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases and the reproductive system

Background: High rates of teen pregnancy in this U.S.-Mexico border community have inspired a need to understand the cultural beliefs and attitudes of less-acculturated Latina mothers of adolescents and communication practices around sexuality and the reproductive system. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with Latina women living in Brownsville, Texas (n=29). All women were mothers of adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 years old. Data were transcribed and theme analysis conducted (using ATLASti 5.0). Participants were asked to discuss attitudes and experiences talking with their adolescent children about sexuality, the reproductive system, STD's, teen pregnancy, level of comfort/confidence talking with their children, and their experiences talking with their own parents as adolescents. Results: Latina mothers in this study indicate a strong desire to educate their adolescent children about sexual health and healthy relationships at home and in school. Barriers to effective communication include lack of confidence; the mother's own experiences with early sexual trauma, cultural taboo, lack of formal education/familiarity with the reproductive system, lack of time/socio-economic pressures, and reality of their children's current cultural context (more freedom). Conclusion: The discussions present a vivid environmental and cultural context of the reality of Latina mothers and its impact on their own sexual health and ability to communicate with their adolescent children. The findings can be useful for designing culturally competent interventions to reduce teen pregnancy and rates of STD's among Latino youth. Policy implications include a case for comprehensive of sex education in the schools and community.