Parent-adolescent sex communication with sexual and gender minority youth: An integrated review

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience adverse sexual health outcomes at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Although parent-adolescent sex communication (PASC) is associated with improved sexual health outcomes among heterosexual youth, less is known about PASC with SGM youth. METHODS: Studies describing experiences of SGM youth and parents during PASC and/or health outcomes of PASC were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, and six themes emerged. These included: (1) limited communication and barriers to communication, (2) impact of SGM disclosure on communication, (3) HIV and/or sexually transmitted disease-focused communication, (4) heteronormative communication, (5) outcomes of communication, and (6) youth preferences for PASC. DISCUSSION: Parent-adolescent sex communication was complicated by barriers to communication and was limited, heteronormative, and influenced by SGM disclosure. Parent-adolescent sex communication may improve sexual health outcomes, but adequate parental education and guidance is lacking. This review identifies ways that health providers can foster positive and inclusive PASC.

• Population(s)
  • Children or Youth (less than 18 years old)
  • General HIV- population
• Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Prevention
• Prevention
  • Sexual risk behaviour
  • Education/media campaigns