Adolescents who are Deaf or hard of hearing may be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Adolescents’
open communication with parents encourages positive sexuality. The relationship between
the Deaf adolescent and their parent could be obstructed by communication difficulties.
This article explores parents’ anxieties about HIV risk. We interviewed nine parents of
Deaf adolescents in South Africa. We explored their fears of the risk of HIV/AIDS for
their children. Participants believed that their children were at risk of HIV infection.
Although they did communicate with their children about sexuality and HIV/AIDS, some
experienced communication difficulties. Communicative relationships between these
adolescents and their parents should be encouraged.
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