Extension to Families
Success Stories
Wayne County Girl Talk
Problem:
Preteen girls are trying to understand what is happening to their bodies, what guidelines to follow, and how to respond to the constant media messages surrounding them. Moms and daughters may find it difficult to talk about health, sexuality and the future. Communication patterns developed now will likely continue into the teen years.
Response:
ISU Extension worked with three schools in Wayne County to provide Girl Talk in winter/spring 2009. The schools involved were: Wayne Coummunity School, Seymour Community School, and Mormon Trail Community School. Funding came from: community entities, IACEC grant, and The Family Place. Girl Talk is designed to facilitate communication between mothers and daughters on sexual information and attitudes. Trained facilitators worked with 17 mothers, 1 grandmother and 18 daughters in the three series of four sessions each.
Impact:
Evaluations showed the following impact. The behavior or knowledge showing the most change from before to after the program is listed first and then in descending order.
| Moms and grandmothers | After | Before |
|---|---|---|
| My daughter and I talk openly with one another about sexuality issues. | 94%(16) | 35%(6) |
| I provide specific information to my daughter about sexuality issues. | 100%(17) | 41%(7) |
| I talk to my daughter about changes in her body and emotions during puberty. | 100%(17) | 59%(10) |
| I know the correct terms for female and male body parts and use them when talking to my daughter about them and their functions. | 100%(17) | 59%(10) |
| I understand sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. | 88%(14) | 47%(8) |
| I can talk to my daughter about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. | 100%(17) | 71%(12) |
| I see things from my daughter's perspective and understand her feelings. | 100%(17) | 76%(13) |
| I can talk to my daughter about how to protect herself from sexual abuse. | 100%(17) | 76%(13) |
| Daughters | After | Before |
| I understand sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. | 94%(16) | 25%(4) |
| I know the correct terms for female and male body parts and use them when talking to my mom about them and their functions. | 71%(12) | 18%(3) |
| I understand how to care for my body during menstruation. | 100%(17) | 47%(8) |
| I know how to do breast self exams and have practiced. | 71%(12) | 18%(3) |
| I can talk to my mom about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. | 94%(16) | 41%(7) |
| I see things form my mom's perspective and understand her feelings. | 88%(15) | 47%(8) |
| I can talk to my mom about the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy. | 94%(15) | 53%(9) |
| My mom and I talk openly with one another about sexuality issues. | 53%(9) | 18%(6) |
| We have family discussions about values and decision making related to sexuality issues. | 94%(16) | 59%(10) |
| I know the risks of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy. | 95%(16) | 59%(12) |
Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Pat Swartzlander County Extension Education Director 641-872-1755 pswartz@iastate.edu
Contact:
Donna Donald
Decatur County Extension
309 North Main
Leon, Iowa 50144
641-446-4723
ddonald@iastate.edu