The Role of Fathers in HIV Education

The American Journal of Public Health recently published a study of 277 fathers and sons titled "REAL Men: A Group-Randomized Trial of an HIV Prevention Intervention for Adolescent Boys,". The study reported that boys whose fathers participated in the intervention study were significantly more likely to abstain from sex, delay intercourse, and use condoms if they were sexually active, than boys with fathers who did not participate. In addition, fathers who participated also discussed sexually related issues more with their sons, and intended to continue those discussions.

Research has already shown that even in families with fathers, it is more likely that the mother discusses sex education, although many boys would rather talk to their father. The above intervention sounds like it helps fathers feel more confident and responsible for the sex education of their sons.

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