“¿Los Bebes Vienen de Dónde?”: Communication Dynamics within Latinx Families and Communities
Abstract
Sexual and reproductive health education occurs within a larger cultural and familial context. Alcalde and Quelopana (2012) found that Latinx families address sexual and reproductive health conversations in a variety of ways from “silence to dignified dialogue.” However, the sex and reproductive health education that Latinx youth receive in school is often incongruent with culturally rooted information that includes myths and misinformation communicated at home. Sexual education research has often focused on adolescents and health outcomes, here we ask adults about the utility of their education both at home and school.
Adult respondents (N=75) were recruited to participate in an online survey through convenience and snowball sampling by widely sharing the link to the survey. Early results indicate participants believe sexual and reproductive health topics should primarily be taught at home and not only in schools. Participants also indicated that parents were often the source of misinformation and myths about sexual and reproductive health. Participants felt that parents should provide education, but also recognize that this education may include myths and misinformation. Follow-up interviews will be used to further develop a complete picture of the dynamics of family communication around topics of sexual and reproductive health.
“¿Los Bebes Vienen de Dónde?”: Communication Dynamics within Latinx Families and Communities
Sexual and reproductive health education occurs within a larger cultural and familial context. Alcalde and Quelopana (2012) found that Latinx families address sexual and reproductive health conversations in a variety of ways from “silence to dignified dialogue.” However, the sex and reproductive health education that Latinx youth receive in school is often incongruent with culturally rooted information that includes myths and misinformation communicated at home. Sexual education research has often focused on adolescents and health outcomes, here we ask adults about the utility of their education both at home and school.
Adult respondents (N=75) were recruited to participate in an online survey through convenience and snowball sampling by widely sharing the link to the survey. Early results indicate participants believe sexual and reproductive health topics should primarily be taught at home and not only in schools. Participants also indicated that parents were often the source of misinformation and myths about sexual and reproductive health. Participants felt that parents should provide education, but also recognize that this education may include myths and misinformation. Follow-up interviews will be used to further develop a complete picture of the dynamics of family communication around topics of sexual and reproductive health.