Educação Sexual em famílias afetadas pelo HIV

Sex education in HIV- affected families

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to explore: 1) the obstacles to talk about sexuality with adolescent children of mothers living
with HIV and, 2) the strategies used by mothers to talk about sex with their adolescent children, both from the perspective
of the youth as to their mothers. Methods: A qualitative method was used. Twenty-two participants (11 mother-child pairs)
took part in a semi-structured interview. A thematic content analysis was performed. Results: The main obstacles mentioned
by the adolescents to talk about sex in the family context are: lack of interest in sexuality subjects, shame to speak about sex
with their mothers, difference between generations – adolescents and their mothers - and fear of being known as sexually
active. Despite those barriers, few mothers and young people reported having discussed sexuality generally together;
their discussions more often concerned STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Some sex education strategies were identifi ed by
mothers and adolescents: Seizing opportunities, playing down the topic of sexuality, and sharing anecdotes. Conclusion:
The obstacles and strategies raised seem to correspond to a conception of sex education as focused on risk prevention.  Yet, adolescents' needs go far beyond risk prevention. The understanding of sex education must be expanded and should
consider the psychological, emotional and social issues of sexuality