Mothers' Voices

Abstract

Abstract Parents are an important component of HIV prevention efforts for adolescents. The purpose of this study was to work with a community-based organization, Mothers' Voices South Florida, to evaluate the effectiveness of their educational program that teaches mothers how to talk to their children about HIV and safer sexual practices. Questionnaires were sent to 349 mothers who attended the program from 2000-2001. The final sample (n = 121) was 43% White, 31% Black, and 26% Hispanic. Mothers were asked to rate their pre- and post-program communication levels with their children about HIV and safer sex. Paired T-test showed a significant difference between pre-and post-program communication levels (t= −11.404, df= 120, p= .000). Over two-fifths of the mothers (43%) reported that communication with their children had become an ongoing process. Mothers also shared information learned at the program with other adults. The study found that the Mothers' Voices program was effective in increasing communication about HIV and sexual health between mothers and their children, and mothers and Other adults in the community.