title: Parental communication and youth sexual behaviour.
abstract: The role of parental communication and instruction concerning sexual behaviour were studied in a community-based sample of 1083 youth aged 13-17 (mean age of 15 years; 51% girls, 49% White). The Youth Asset Survey was administered along with items measuring demographics and youth risk behaviours. After controlling for demographic factors, multivariate analysis revealed that youth were much less likely to have initiated sexual intercourse if their parents taught them to say no, set clear rules, talked about what is right and wrong and about delaying sexual activity. If youth were sexually active, they were more likely to use birth control if taught at home about delaying sexual activity and about birth control. Having only one sexual partner was associated with having an adult role model who supports abstinence, being taught at home about birth control, and being taught at home how to say no. If parents reported talking with youth about birth control and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, youth were significantly more likely to use birth control. Our conclusion is that parents have the opportunity and ability to influence their children's sexual behaviour decisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. Cheryl-aspy@ouhsc.edu <Cheryl-aspy@ouhsc.edu>
authors.forename: Cheryl B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Aspy
authors.forename: Sara K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vesely
authors.forename: Roy F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Oman
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rodine
authors.forename: LaDonna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McLeroy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003142:Communication; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires