Paternal Perspectives on Latino and Black Sons’ Readiness for Sex and Condom Guidance: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

PURPOSE Although a large proportion of males in the United States become sexually active during high school, condom use is decreasing and contributing to negative sexual health outcomes. Fathers are influential in promoting adolescent male sexual health; however, factors that shape fathers’ decisions about when to discuss condom use with their sons remain understudied. We examined paternal perceptions of adolescent males’ readiness for sex relative to fathers providing guidance for condom use in Latino and Black families. METHODS We recruited 191 Latino and Black males aged 15-19 years and their fathers in the South Bronx, New York City. Dyads completed surveys, and a subset of fathers partici-pated in audio-recorded sessions with a father coach, which included conversations about adolescent male condom use. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design identified adolescent male developmental predictors for paternal guidance for condom use and explored how fathers perceive their sons’ readiness for sex. RESULTS The quantitative findings indicate that paternal perception of their sons’ readiness for sex is an important predictor of providing guidance for condom use, and that fathers consider other factors (beyond age and perceived sexual activity) in understanding their sons’ developmental readiness for sex. The qualitative findings provide insights into these additional factors, which should be considered when engaging fathers in primary care around issues of adolescent male condom use. CONCLUSIONS Fathers’ perception of their sons’ readiness for sex is a predictor of providing condom guidance. We provide practical suggestions for engaging fathers in primary care to promote correct and consistent condom use by adolescent males.