Patterns of Condom Use Among Adolescents: The Impact of Mother-Adolescent Communication
Compelling Evidence that Effective Parent-Child Communication Can Help Teens Make Life-Saving Decisions
October 1, 1998
Frank discussions between mothers and their adolescents about condoms can lead teens to adopt behaviors that will prevent them from becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to a study published in the October 1, 1998, issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The findings are from interviews conducted with 372 sexually active adolescents (14- to 17-year-olds) in New York, Alabama, and Puerto Rico. The study found that mother-adolescent discussions about condoms before first sexual intercourse greatly increased the percentage of young people who use condoms, both for their first intercourse and for subsequent acts.
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These findings underscore the important role parents can play in HIV prevention among young people. Parents are in a unique position to engage their children in a dialogue about HIV and STD prevention. Discussions must begin early -- before adolescents begin engaging in sexual activities -- and should continue throughout their child's development.
It is estimated that half of all HIV infections in the U.S. occur among young people under the age of 25, and HIV infection is a leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. In addition, three million cases of other STDs occur each year among teens, and up to one million teens become pregnant in the U.S. each year. CDC believes it is critical to reach young people with comprehensive prevention messages to both delay first intercourse among teens and to increase condom use among young people who are sexually active.
This article was provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit the CDC's website to find out more about their activities, publications and services.