Parent Toolkit 2.0 for Adolescent Health Communication

This trial aims to help parents and caregivers communicate better with their teens about health topics, especially sexual health and relationships. Participants will use either a detailed online toolkit with videos and group sessions (Morehouse Family Health Study's Parent Toolkit 2.0) or a general health guide for parents. The goal is to boost parent knowledge and improve talks with teens, encouraging healthier choices like delaying sexual activity or using contraception. This trial suits parents or caregivers in Georgia who live with a 12- to 15-year-old child at least half the time and want to improve their communication skills. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for parents to enhance their communication skills and positively impact their teens' health choices.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research shows that the Parent Toolkit 2.0 helps parents and teens discuss health topics more easily. As an educational program, not a medicine or medical treatment, it lacks the safety concerns associated with traditional clinical trials. Studies have examined how effectively the toolkit enhances parental learning and communication. No evidence indicates any negative effects from using this toolkit. It primarily involves watching videos, reading guides, and participating in group discussions, which are generally safe and manageable activities.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Parent Toolkit 2.0 because it offers a fresh approach to improving parent-teen communication about sensitive topics like sex and contraception. Unlike traditional resources, the Toolkit includes an interactive online guide, engaging videos that model effective communication, and virtual group sessions with other parents, creating a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. This dynamic and interactive format aims to empower parents with practical skills and confidence, potentially leading to better health outcomes for adolescents.

Studies have shown that programs like Parent Toolkit 2.0 help parents learn more and communicate better with their teens about health topics. Research indicates that well-informed parents who communicate effectively encourage teens to make healthier choices, such as delaying sexual activity and using birth control. In this trial, participants in the treatment condition will receive the Parent Toolkit 2.0, which includes an online guide, videos, and group sessions to help parents discuss sexual health more openly with their teens. This improved communication can lead teens to make better health decisions. The program aims to support parents in guiding their teens toward healthier lifestyle choices.¹²³⁴⁶