Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2307 - Poster 2 | ||||
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Session: 59.28: Poster 2 (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Prof Mylène Fernet - Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: Sexual education in families with mothers living with HIV (MLHIV) is often focused on unplanned pregnancy and HIV prevention, with limited discussion of emotional, social and legal issues. This paper aims to examine 1) the prevalence of mother-child communication about sexuality, from the youth perspective and 2) the ease of mothers to talk about sexuality. | ||||
| Method / Issue: A mixed-method, which combine quantitative and qualitative methods, was used. First, 55 youth (12-28 years M = 16.2 years) and their mothers (n = 33 33-49 years M = 40.9 years) completed a face-to-face questionnaire. A total of 35 youth knew their mother’s diagnosis and 11 were infected through vertical transmission. Descriptive analyses and a multivariate regression model (MRM) were performed controlling for gender and age of children, ethno-cultural origin, country of birth, and mothers’ religiosity. Eleven mothers also took part in a semi-structured interview. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Prevention and contraception are the most common themes discussed. Children who are aware of their mother’s diagnosis are more likely to have talked about contraception, condoms and STIs, and consider their mothers as being comfortable, informed and empowered to discuss sexuality. The MRM indicates that knowing the mother’s diagnosis plays a significant role only when it comes to talking about STIs. Data analysis indicates that mothers feel responsible to protect their children from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. However, several barriers to sex education are raised by these women like a lack of knowledge about sex. | ||||
| Discussion: The results highlight the importance of targeting parental attitudes regarding discussions about sexuality, in respect for cultural values and beliefs. Interventions should consider the HIV status of the child and the willingness of the mother to disclose their HIV status. | ||||
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