Parental and adolescent confidence in communicating about sexuality in a Peruvian public school: a cross-sectional study

Background
Effective communication between parents and adolescents about sexuality is crucial for promoting healthy behaviors and preventing negative outcomes such as adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and risky sexual practices.

Objectives
This study aimed to analyze the topics discussed and levels of parental confidence and mutual trust between parents and adolescents when addressing sexuality, including adolescent pregnancy, STIs, contraceptive methods, and physical changes.

Material and methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 656 participants (328 parent–adolescent pairs). Incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Confidence levels and their association with sociodemographic variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results
Mothers reported higher confidence than fathers (p < 0.001). Parents with higher education showed greater confidence, while those with primary education had the lowest scores (p < 0.001). Adolescents reported more confidence discussing physical changes and contraceptive methods (x = 16.8), and less for adolescent pregnancy and STIs (p < 0.05). Across all topics, parents reported higher confidence than their children and stated they had discussed sexuality more frequently than acknowledged by the adolescents.

Conclusions
Confidence levels vary by topic and sociodemographic characteristics. Mothers, parents with higher education, and those without religion reported greater confidence. Communication barriers persist from the adolescents’ perspective, particularly regarding adolescent pregnancy and STIs.