224281 Improving parent-child sexual health communication among Hispanics

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Sheetal Malhotra, MBBS, MS , Public Health Programs, Medical Institute for Sexual Health, Austin, TX
Diane M. Santa Maria, MSN APRN-BC , School of Public Health, University of Texas -- Houston, Spring, TX
Hilda M. Chavarria, BS , The Medical Institute for Sexual Health, Austin, TX
Katherine Hendricks, MD, MPH&TM , Public Health, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, TX
Background: Parents are important influences in the adolescent sexual decision-making. However, barriers such as embarrassment, lack of information, and sensitive topic deter parent-child communication on sex. Two Hispanic economically disadvantaged border communities in Texas with ~20,000 residents are disproportionately affected by outcomes such as teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To enhance prevention efforts, it is important to equip Hispanic parents with the tools to communicate with their children about sexual health topics. Methods: A Spanish-language curriculum, Construyendo Familias Unidas, was provided to parenting adults in two border communities in Texas. Participants received 10 hours of training on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), teen pregnancy, contraception, effective parent-child communication, and decision making. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors were assessed through pre-/post-survey data collected from 2007 to 2009. Objectives: The curriculum objectives were to 1) increase parent knowledge of risk factors for STIs and teen pregnancy and 2) improve parenting adult-child communication on sexual health issues. Results: 263 participants aged 18-80 years completed pre- and post-tests on sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; 170 matched responses were available for analysis. Post-test data revealed significant increases in knowledge of risk factors for teen pregnancy (47% vs. 88%, P<0.01) and STIs (76% vs. 88%, P<0.01), as well as dating violence (76% vs. 89%, P<0.01). There were significant increases in reported comfort (80% vs. 92%, P<0.01) and frequency of communication with children (49% vs. 67%, P<0.01) on sexual health issues. Conclusion: Construyendo Familias Unidas can help increase parent-child communication on sexual health issues.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe strategies to encourage parent-child sexual health communication 2. Discuss effectiveness of a parent curriculum on parent-child sexual health communication

Keywords: Hispanic, Health Education Strategies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Principal Investigator and evaluator for the program
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.