Parent-adolescent communication about sex in rural India: U.S.-India collaboration to prevent adolescent HIV

Qual Health Res. 2012 Jun;22(6):788-800. doi: 10.1177/1049732311431943. Epub 2012 Jan 9.

Abstract

In this article, we examine parent-adolescent communication about sex among rural Indian youth and their parents. We conducted in-depth interviews (N = 40) with mothers, fathers, and adolescent boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years in a rural community in Maharashtra, India. In the context of key cultural factors, including gender-related norms, we explore issues of sexual health and critically assess widely held beliefs that Indian parents are unwilling or unable to discuss sex-related topics with their children. Our findings suggest that despite communication barriers, e.g., lack of knowledge and cultural proscriptions, Indian families are interested in and willing to communicate about sex-related topics. Future research should seek to determine the viability of family-based HIV prevention interventions for Indian adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Awareness
  • Communication*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Humans
  • India
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations / ethnology*
  • Rural Population*
  • Sex Education
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*