Fathers Are Important People

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived role of African-American fathers in educating their sons about sex and HIV prevention. Given that some studies have shown a relationship between parent-adolescent sexual communication and adolescent sexual behavior, and the disproportionately high rates of teen pregnancy and HIV (and other STIs) among African-American youth, it is noteworthy that no previous study of parent-adolescent sexual communication has focused on African-American fathers. This study involved the qualitative analysis of focus group data obtained from 14 African-American fathers of adolescent boys between the ages of 11 and 14 years. The results of this analysis revealed three general themes, which were entitled: (1) “Fathers Want to be Response-Able,” (2) “What Would Michael Jordan Do?” and (3) “Having Sex Could Mean Kissing Your Future Goodbye.” The findings show that African-American fathers place a high value on fatherhood and accept their roles as sex educators of their male children. Overall, the study's results have important implications for the design and implementation of effective HIV prevention programs for African-American adolescent boys.