Health Discussions Between College Students and Parents: Results of a Delphi Study

Abstract

College students' perspectives on health discussions with parents were examined in a survey of students from 5 US universities. Topics important for promoting students' and parents' health as well as guidelines for promoting productive discussions between college students and their parents were identified, using the Delphi technique to reach consensus. Sex, drugs, alcohol, and HIV/AIDS ranked as the most important discussion topics related to students' health; family relationships, physical fitness, and stress management ranked as most important topics dealing with parental health. Guidelines for profitable discussion were that the individual be honest, open, respectful of others' opinions, and a good listener. Parent education, health education activities that promote student-parent discussion, and further research on the topic are suggested.