In assessing sexual activity, why is direct questioning preferred for adolescents?

• A. Direct and gender-neutral questions help obtain accurate information.
• B. Indirect questions yield the same information.
• C. Questions about sex should be avoided.
• D. Only parents should answer questions.

Answer: (A)

Direct, gender-neutral questioning is most effective because it signals to adolescents that sexual health is a normal, nonjudgmental part of healthcare and invites honest disclosure. When questions are direct and use inclusive language, teens understand exactly what information is being sought and feel safer sharing details about activity, partners, and protection use. This precise information is essential to accurately assess risk for STIs and pregnancy and to tailor counseling and preventive guidance. Indirect or vague questions can be confusing or carry implicit assumptions, leading to incomplete or inaccurate responses, and avoiding the topic or relying only on parental input misses the adolescent’s own perspective and confidentiality needs.