The role of the family system in HIV risk reduction: youths with hemophilia and HIV infection and their parents. Adolescent Hemophilia Behavioral Intervention Evaluation Project (HBIEP) Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between family communication and HIV risk reduction behaviors among a multisite sample of 125 male youths (ages 12-25) with hemophilia and HIV- infection, as well as their parents.


METHODS
Participants completed self-report surveys assessing communication and attitudes regarding HIV risk reduction interventions; adolescents also provided data about their sexual behaviors.


RESULTS
Adolescents with parents who discuss sexual issues were more likely to report HIV status disclosure to sexual partners. Most parents were supportive of HIV risk reduction interventions for their adolescents, but the youths themselves tended to endorse only interventions that offered opportunities for recreational activities and socialization with peers.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings are discussed in terms of intervention implications and the need for family systems-based programs.
Parsons
J T
JT
Jersey City College, Department of Psychology, New Jersey 07305, USA. PARSON@jcs1.jcstate.edu
Butler
R
R
Kocik
S
S
Norman
L
L
Nuss
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States