The influence of sexual risk communication between parents and daughters on sexual risk behaviors

Two hundred thirty-four 19- to 21-year-old women completed interviews that assessed parent-adolescent relations, sexual communication, and selected sexual risk behaviors and outcomes. Overall, Hispanic-Latina respondents reported less parent-adolescent sexual communication than others. Early parent-adolescent sexual communication was associated with later age of sexual initiation, consistent condom use and, indirectly, less likelihood of sexually transmitted diseases. Mother-daughter communication about condoms was associated with consistent condom use. Recommendations for family-based HIV-STD prevention are presented.