Sexually active adolescents: Breaking their silence
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how communication occurs between adolescent sexual partners about the prevention of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Grounded theory methodology was utilized to conduct qualitative interviews and then analyze the results. Analysis revealed five main categories that influenced how such communication occurred, including: reasons for communication, topics of conversation, communication technique, level of communication over time, and seriousness of the relationship. The seriousness of the relationship was the main theme and was found to be most influential in determining how and when communication about pregnancy/STI prevention occurred. Discussion in the study relates these categories to the existing literature and provides implications based on the findings of the study that will be important to the sexual health of the adolescent and young adult population.