Resumen
This study describes the sexual knowledge and communication of Mexican parents and adolescents.
Pre-intervention data was analyzed from 829 high school students (ages 14-17) and one of their
parents. Differences were found between parents and adolescents in sexual knowledge (M = 16.16
vs. M = 14.92; t = 7.20; p < 0.001); specifically parents had higher knowledge related to STD’s, HIV/
AIDs, and condom use. Parents perceived more general communication (t (787) = 6.33 p < .001),
and less discomfort talking about sex (t (785) = 4.69, p < .001) than adolescents. Parents with higher
education levels scored higher in HIV knowledge and general communication. Fathers had higher
total sexual knowledge while mothers perceived higher sexual communication than fathers. There
were no differences in knowledge and communication by parental socioeconomic level. Results
suggest health care providers need to assist parents in developing specific knowledge and skills to
support their adolescents’ sexual decision making.