Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Southern Baptist African-American Parents Talk to Their Children About Sex
Judith Cornelius, RN, DNSc, School of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Identify two barriers and/or concerns that African-American Baptist families have regarding sexual discussions with their children |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify two methods by which African-American Baptist families improved sexuality communication with their children |
Objective: The overall purpose of this study was to examine how African-American Baptist parents effectively discuss postponement or cessation of sexual activity and the prevention of STD’s including HIV with their adolescent children. Design: A mixed methodology (focus group and survey) was used to explore the sexual communication process between African-American Baptist families. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Eligibility included African-American Baptist parents and one of their adolescent children 11 to 13 years of age, recruited from Baptist churches in the southeast region of the country. The final sample consisted of forty parents and one of their adolescent children (n = 40). Concepts/Variables: Ajzen & Fishbein Theory of reasoned Action (1981) (attitudes, subjective norms and behavioral intent) concerns, and barriers to sexuality communication were examined. Methods: Focus group sessions were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The Jemmott HIV Risk Reduction Survey (2001) was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Confidentiality was ensured and informed consent was obtained. Findings/Conclusions: Although some African-American Baptist parents are discussing issues of sexuality including HIV prevention with their children some are not. There is societal pressure from the media to have sex. At what age sexual communication discussion should begin varied with the parents indicating younger ages (beginning at 4 years of age) while the adolescents indicated older ages (beginning at 9 years of age). Everyone admitted that a church based sexuality education program should be developed, planned and implemented. Implications: Findings of this study have important implication for families, churches, nurses and the goals of Healthy People 2010, which is responsible sexual behavior.
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