Mother’s perceptions and concerns over sharing sexual and reproductive health information with their adolescent daughters- A qualitative study among mothers of adolescent girls aged 14–19 years in the developing world, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction Studies across the world have shown that parent-adolescent SRH communication can prevent unhealthy sexual and reproductive health (SRH) practices among adolescents and promote their sexual and reproductive health. Parents have the ability to provide individualized sex education to suit the needs of their children, their families, and societal values. The fact that children have more opportunities in the family, makes parent-based sexuality education of children a better approach to Sri Lankan context. Objective To explore mother’s perceptions and concerns over sharing SRH information with their daughters among Sinhalese mothers of adolescent girls aged 14–19 years in Sri Lanka. Methodology Six Focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out among mothers of adolescent girls aged 14–19 years. Each focus group discussion included 10–12 participants who were recruited using the purposive sampling method. A focus group discussion guide developed after an extensive literature search and expert opinion was used to retrieve information from mothers. Data management and analysis mainly followed an inductive approach to thematic analysis principles. The findings were presented in narrative form using respondents’ quotes in their own words and were developed into codes and themes. Results The mean age of the participants was 43.5 years while 62.4% (n = 40) were educated above the Ordinary level. Analysis of data identified eight main themes from the FGDs. Many mothers thought that sexual and reproductive information is important to adolescent girls. They tried to keep their girl adolescents informed about Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) issues. They preferred abstinence-only education over abstinence-plus education. Lack of skills and lack of knowledge on adolescent SRH issues was a major challenge identified by the mothers to communicate SRH matters with their children. Conclusions and recommendations Although mothers perceived their role as primary sex educators to their children, they were not confident about their knowledge and skills in discussing SRH matters with children. Implementation of interventions to improve mothers’ attitudes and skills in communicating SRH matters with children is recommended.

Level of Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Among the Teenage Mothers and Their Parents in Rwanda: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

“…This difference may be attributed to parents being uncomfortable or not discussing SRH with their children, a common problem in many developing countries. 6,9,10 A study in Nigeria showed that only 12.3% of parents discuss SRH matters with their adolescent girls, 17 while another done in Ethiopia revealed that 14.7% of the discussion was with mothers and 3.9% with fathers. 18 These low numbers seem to be more prevalent in less developed nations, yet they are the ones that grapple more with teenage pregnancies.…”

“…7,8 However, research indicates that parents often are ill-equipped to address SRH topics with their teenage children due to cultural norms, discomfort, lack of knowledge, or misconceptions surrounding SRHR. 6,9,10 These create a knowledge gap between parents and their children since children are left to explore SRH with minimum parental guidance. 9,10 Despite previous studies reporting the discrepancy in the intergenerational knowledge about SRHR, this has not yet been explored in Rwanda, where mothers are considered the epitome of knowledge.…”

“…6,9,10 These create a knowledge gap between parents and their children since children are left to explore SRH with minimum parental guidance. 9,10 Despite previous studies reporting the discrepancy in the intergenerational knowledge about SRHR, this has not yet been explored in Rwanda, where mothers are considered the epitome of knowledge. Therefore, this cross-sectional study compares the knowledge levels, attitudes, and beliefs regarding SRHR in Rwanda.…”