Assessing Parents' Perceptions of Contraception for Their Adolescents in Communities of Color: A scoping review

Reproductive health disparities disproportionately affect adolescents of color in the United States, particularly in contraceptive access, utilization, and knowledge. Because parents strongly shape adolescents' contraceptive behaviors, understanding their perspectives is essential for addressing inequities. This scoping review synthesized evidence on parental attitudes toward adolescent contraception in racially and ethnically diverse communities to inform culturally responsive interventions. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, seven databases were systematically searched for U.S.-based, peer reviewed studies (2008-2023) examining contraception-related perceptions among parents or guardians of adolescents of color. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria (cross-sectional surveys [n=4], focus groups [n=4], interviews [n=5], quasi-experimental controlled trial [n=1], mixed-methods [n=6]); most addressed contraception broadly rather than specific methods. Study quality, assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, was predominantly high (18/20). Key themes included limited parental contraceptive knowledge, reliance on schools or clinicians for sexual health education, gendered and indirect communication, and cultural or religious norms discouraging adolescent sexual activity. Mistrust of healthcare systems, safety concerns, fear of promoting sexual behavior, and the influence of structural inequities, stigma, and misinformation were common across communities. Addressing parental knowledge gaps, communication barriers, and systemic mistrust is critical to reducing contraceptive disparities through culturally tailored education and strengthened family-healthcare partnerships.