The Influence of Sexual Risk Communication Between Parents and Daughters on Sexual Risk Behaviors*

Two hundred thirty‐four 19‐ to 21‐year‐old women completed interviews that assessed parent‐adolescent relations, sexual communication, and selected sexual risk behaviors and outcomes. Overall, Hispanic–Latina respondents reported less parent‐adolescent sexual communication than others. Early parent‐adolescent sexual communication was associated with later age of sexual initiation, consistent condom use and, indirectly, less likelihood of sexually transmitted diseases. Mother‐daughter communication about condoms was associated with consistent condom use. Recommendations for family‐based HIV–STD prevention are presented.