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

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Asha Banu Soletti, Denise Burnette, Shilpi Sharma, Sarah Leavitt, Katharine McCarthy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)788-800
Number of pages13
JournalQualitative Health Research
Volume22
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Asia, South/Southeast
  • HIV/AIDS prevention
  • adolescents/youth
  • communication
  • parenting
  • sexuality/sexual health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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