Factors of mothers' hesitation in discussing reproductive health

Abstract

Reproductive health is always becoming an issue for adolescence. Lack of knowledge, permissive attitude, easy access to pornography and low parental supervision reported as a determinant of risky sexual behavior in adolescence. This study aimed to investigate mother’s perspectives in discussing reproductive health issues with their children aged 9-11 years old. The respondents were 8.046 mothers who had children aged 9-11 years old in Semarang, taken with a purposive sampling technique. Most mother (84.4%) were in adulthood, graduated from Senior High School (50.8%), unemployment (44%), and 47.2% was in low-middle income family. As much as 26.8% of mothers agreed that it is not necessary to inform their children about reproductive health. Talking about reproductive health is taboo for 41.9% of mothers and 38.5% felt awkward. Most of them (71.7%) encountered difficulties in starting reproductive health discussions with their children and 76.1% used other terms to name the genitals to feel more polite. A mother who perceived that delivering reproductive health information is unnecessary (OR 1.44), taboo (OR 1.82), awkward (OR 1.93), and giving courtship permission (OR 1.28) to their children significantly becoming risk factors in practicing reproductive health education. Health workers should help the mothers improve their communication skills, especially in discussing reproductive health with children aged 9-11 years old.

Critical thinking and decision-making skills regarding reproductive health among pupils in Central Java

“…For the majority of girls (65%), mothers are the main source of information about reproductive health [23]. However, Javanese mothers are hesitant in discussing reproductive health with their children and do not provide information honestly due to the feeling of an unnecessary, awkward, and taboo issue [24]. This shows the importance of providing reproductive health education to increase pupils' knowledge and attitudes regarding reproductive health so they are able to obtain adequate and valid information.…”

Exploration of Javanese Children's Knowledge and Attitudes about Puberty and Reproductive Health

“…Parents are often dishonest in providing information about reproductive health because they find it awkward to discuss. The topic is considered unethical to discuss with the child (Indraswari et al, 2021). Poor communication between parents and children regarding reproductive health information makes children more likely to have pregnancies in adolescence (Nambambi & Mufune, 2011).…”

“…This is influenced by children's access to reproductive health education from their surroundings (Thongmixay et al, 2019). Parents actively discouraged relationships among youth, and topics like relationships and sex were taboo to discuss between parents and children (Indraswari et al, 2021). Knowledge and attitudes can influence a person's behavior.…”

Perspectives on Reproductive Health Education among Javanese Parents

“…Still, based on the data mentioned above, it can be seen that parents in Central Java Province are reluctant to share information on reproductive health because the Javanese culture considers it taboo. 17 Using this background on reproductive health education, this study aimed to describe the perspective of reproductive health education among Javanese parents of children aged 9-11 years.…”