The Role of Perceived Barriers to Maternal Communication in Risky Sexual Behavior Among Mexican Adolescents

This study examined gender differences in perceived barriers to communication about sex between mothers and adolescents (ages 12 to 19) in Mexico. We also explored associations between 3 risky sexual behaviors (contraception use, age of first coitus, and sexual experience) and these barriers separate by gender. A total of 1,436 participants (47% female) completed surveys measuring risky sexual behaviors and 3 barriers to communication (lack of confidence or knowledge about sex, talk perceived as encouraging sex, and talk perceived as unnecessary). Findings revealed that boys were likely to perceive more barriers to communication than were girls. Talk perceived as encouraging sex was associated with vaginal sex among all adolescents. Female adolescents who perceived their mother as having less knowledge and confidence about sex were also more likely to have had sexual intercourse and less likely to have used contraception. Boys who perceived talk as unnecessary were more likely to have had sexual intercourse. These findings amplify our understanding of both barriers to communication about sex and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in Mexico