African American adolescents are more likely to delay early initiation of sexual activities if monitored by their mothers. Among all racial and ethnic groups of adolescent girls, African Americans from low-income backgrounds are the most vulnerable for HIV risk because of early sexual activity. |
Our preliminary data showed that mothers were effective in increasing the mediating variables -- knowledge of how HIV is transmitted, self-efficacy to refuse sex and the intention to refuse sex -- than the other two interventions. |
We wanted to teach the mothers separately, so the daughters could see them as educators. The mothers were very enthusiastic about the program. They felt more confident talking to their daughters about the dangers of HIV because they had all of the information. |