Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health and its Associated Factors among Higher Secondary School Students of Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal
Journal: Journal of Public Health International (Vol.6, No. 2)Publication Date: 2022-11-04
Authors : Alisha Gautam; Krishna Sharma; Sunita Dhakal; Sarmila Dhakal; Anugraha Chand;
Page : 1-15
Keywords : Adolescent; Parent; Communication; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Kathmandu;
Abstract
Introduction Physical, psychological, and emotional growth are among the changes that define the adolescent stage. As compared to other age groups, adolescents are more vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents can become protective and influencing factors for their children to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study aims to assess adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 adolescents aged 15–19 in higher secondary schools of Tokha Municipality. A self-administered structured modified questionnaire to assess the communication used the Weighted Topics Measure of Family Sexual Communication (WTM) tool with a simple random sampling technique of data collection. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests to analyze data and assess the association between variables. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretesting, and training. Results The study found that about 75.9% of adolescents had communicated on SRH topics with their parents. Only 56.1%, 50.1%, 55.2%, and 50.5% of adolescents communicated about choosing a life partner, menstruation, physical and psychological changes during adolescence, and the physical growth and development of reproductive organs, respectively, while topics like using birth controls, when to start having sex, pregnancy, how to handle sexual pressure from a partner, STI and HIV/AIDs, about condoms, and abortion had never communicated by 61.3%, 86.6%, 69.3%, 85.8%, 72.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5% of adolescents, respectively. Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health was significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (X2 = 5.809, p = 0.01, df = 1). Similarly, there was a significant association with the perceived parenting style (X2 =3.932, p =0.04, df =1), living arrangements (X2 =6.376, p=0.01, df =1), and adolescent-parent communication. Conclusion It concluded that adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues is not satisfactory. Creating an adolescent-friendly environment at home and conducting awareness programs with the help of the local government of the respective schools would help to increase adolescent-parent communication.
Other Latest Articles
- Histo-Morphological Effect of The Small, Large Intestines and Stomach of Animal Models Treated With Aqueous Extract of Abelmoschus Esculentus
- Examining the Effects of Mobile Telephone Communication on the Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Among Expectant Mothers in Kyotera And Rakai Districts, Uganda
- Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Infection Prevention Control among Healthcare Workers in Selected Hospitals Located in Karongi district, Rwanda
- Improved Latrine Coverage and Associated Factors Among Rural Community in Gicumbi Gistrict, Rwanda
- Socio-Demographic Factors Responsible for Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Health Seeking Behaviours for Malaria in Pregnancy among Women of Reproductive Ages in Nigeria
Last modified: 2023-03-14 15:36:57