Factors that Hinder Parents from the Communicating of Sexual Matters with Adolescents in Rwanda

Abstract

Parent-adolescent communication about sexual matters is one of the means that encourages adolescents to adopt responsible sexual behaviour. However, parents do not discuss sexual matters with adolescents and those who discuss to some extent; little information about sexuality is provided. This study, was, therefore aimed to find out the factors that hindered parents from communicating with their adolescent children on sexual matters. A descriptive, cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was utilized. Simple random sampling was used to select households of parents/caretakers with adolescents and face to face interviews were used to collect data in February 2011. Out of 388 respondents, majority (81%) reported that they do not discuss sexual matters with the adolescents due to socio-demographic, cultural, individual and socio-environmental factors/barriers. Being male (p=0.04), parents' age over 44 years (OR< 1 at 95% CI), lower levels of education (≤primary) and income (farming and remittance) was significantly associated with "not communicating" sexual matters with the adolescents (p<0.05). These findings strengthen the need for continued sensitization of parents/caretakers to involve themselves in discussing sexual matters with the adolescents. Furthermore, guidance of parents/caretakers on how to approach the subject of sexuality and sustenance of discussions with the adolescents is paramount.

Barriers to parent-child communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in East Africa: A review of qualitative research in four countries

“…In comparison with other issues related to life such as politics, sport and games where parents are free to communicate with their adolescent children (Bushaija et al, 2013;Nundwe, 2012), there is no good communication existing between parents and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues in East Africa. According to Nundwe (2012), Velcoff (2010), Bushaija et al (2013), five barriers to mention gender differences, education, traditional norms, religion and occupation are linked to crippling communication between parent-child on sexuality and reproductive health issues in this region.…”

“…According to Nundwe (2012), Velcoff (2010), Bushaija et al (2013), five barriers to mention gender differences, education, traditional norms, religion and occupation are linked to crippling communication between parent-child on sexuality and reproductive health issues in this region.…”

“…Studies by Seif and Kohi (2014), Bushaija et al (2013), Nundwe (2012) and Velcoff (2010) show that, educated parents have the patience to talk orally and face to face with their youths as compared to parents with less or without education. Moreover, they can also converse with their children in different ways away from oral or face to face.…”

“…The few found (Seif and Kohi, 2014;Bushaija et al, 2013;Nundwe, 2012;Velcoff, 2010) are country based. With that nuances, further research exploring common barriers to parents-adolescent communication on SRH in East Africa should be explored.…”

Parents Support Implementation of HIV Testing and Counseling at School: Cross-Sectional Study with Parents of Adolescent Attending High School in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa

“…We therefore examined parental attitudes towards learners who test positive for HIV and their interaction with other children at school. The study findings will inform the development of appropriate interventions to empower parents with adequate skills to initiate or improve discussions about sexual matters with adolescents [12] in their supportive role in the implementation of HTC at school.…”