Abstract
Purpose
We reviewed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection
(STI)- behavioral interventions implemented with disproportionately affected black/African-American
and Hispanic/Latino youth and designed to improve parent-child communications about
sex. We compared their effectiveness in improving sex-related behavior or cognitive
outcomes.
Methods
A search of electronic databases identified peer-reviewed studies published between
1988 and 2012. Eligible studies were U.S.-based parent-child communication interventions
with active parent components, experimental and quasiexperimental designs, measurement
of youth sexual health outcomes, and enrollment of ≥50% black/African-American or
Hispanic/Latino youth. We conducted systematic, primary reviews of eligible papers
to abstract data on study characteristics and youth outcomes.
Results
Fifteen studies evaluating 14 interventions were eligible. Although youth outcome
measures and follow-up times varied, 13 of 15 studies (87%) showed at least one significantly
improved youth sexual health outcome compared with controls (p < .05). Common components of effective interventions included joint parent and child
session attendance, promotion of parent/family involvement, sexuality education for
parents, developmental and/or cultural tailoring, and opportunities for parents to
practice new communication skills with their youth.
Conclusions
Parent-child communication interventions that include parents of youth disproportionately
affected by HIV/STIs can effectively reduce sexual risk for youth. These interventions
may help reduce HIV/STI-related health disparities and improve sexual health outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 02, 2014
Accepted:
November 5,
2013
Received:
July 22,
2013
Footnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest relevant to this study.
Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
