256613 Association between parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics and HIV testing, United States. 2006-2008

Monday, October 29, 2012

Alexandra Balaji, PhD , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Emeka Oraka, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Anissa Walker, BBA , NCHHSTP/DHAP/BCSB/Special Studies and Diagnostic Team, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Monique Carry, PhD , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Amy M. Fasula, MPH, PhD , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Paula Jayne, PhD, MPH , Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Jerris L. Raiford, PhD , CCID/NCHHSTP/Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention/Prevention Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Background: Parent-child communication on sex-related topics can increase HIV risk awareness and decrease HIV risk behavior among youth. We examined associations between parent-adolescent sexual health communication and likelihood of HIV testing.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth, a population-based survey of US women and men aged 15-44 years. Analyses were restricted to respondents aged 15-24 that ever had sexual intercourse (females=1814; males=1575). The outcome variable was ever had an HIV test (excluding blood donations). Parent-adolescent communication was assessed by reports of ever talking to parents before age 18 about six sex-related topics. Control variables included demographics, HIV-related risk factors, recent Pap test (females), and STD treatment. Separate analyses were conducted for females and males for each topic.

Results: HIV testing was more common among females (52.0%) than males (31.5%). Ever talking with parents about where to get birth control (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.2); STDs (aRR 1.1, CI 1.03-1.3); how to prevent HIV/AIDS (aRR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.3); and how to use a condom (aRR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.3) were associated with HIV testing in females. For males, talking about how to use a condom (aRR 1.4, CI 1.1-1.7) was associated with HIV testing. Communication on how to say no to sex and methods of birth control were not associated with HIV testing for females or males.

Conclusions: Talking with parents about some sex-related topics is associated with HIV testing among sexually experienced females more so than males aged 15-24 years.

Learning Areas:
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the prevalence of HIV testing and parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics in the United States. 2. Describe the association between HIV testing and parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics in the United States. 3. Discuss the implications of parent-adolescent communication about sex-related topics for HIV prevention.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an epidemiologist at CDC working on HIV prevention.
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.

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