A developmental approach to sexuality education: implications for medical practice

Medical professionals are increasingly expected to address issues of sexuality and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with young patients and their parents. Focus group interviews were conducted with parents (n = 43) and adolescents (n = 800) to determine the preferred physician role regarding families and sexual development. Parents believed that a physician was an appropriate expert to assist in preventing negative risk behaviors (e.g., drugs, alcohol, sexual intercourse) and emphasized the importance of the physician developing a comfortable relationship early on with parents and youth to allow for reciprocal dialogue about sensitive topics. Parents also commented that physicians generally appeared uncomfortable when discussing personal issues (viz., sexuality) and frequently lacked communication skills (e.g., use of open-ended questions or statements) to foster conversation. Youth identified physicians as a logical source of information about sexuality but felt hesitant to ask questions that might prompt value-based discussion. Youth also expressed concern about confidentiality in the doctor-patient relationship. Adolescents desired physicians to be more "askable" than they are perceived to be. Guidelines are offered for strengthening office interactions and improving communication skills.