Parents’ Experiences and Sexual Topics Discussed with Adolescents in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background. Traditionally, discussion about sexuality is subdued in proverbs and is earmarked for adults. However, adolescents also need information about their sexuality to make informed choices regarding sexual behaviours. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the experiences of parents discussing sexuality topics with adolescents in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana. Methods. This was a qualitative study that used focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to assess parents’ experiences in discussing sexuality topics with adolescents. The FGDs, consisting of 8-12 parents each, were conducted for one “all fathers”, then another “all mothers”, and finally “fathers and mothers” groups. Parents who were not part of the FGDs were engaged in IDIs. The data was transcribed and analyzed manually. Results. Most of the parent-adolescent sexual discussions were based on physical changes, personal hygiene, abstinence, abortion, and saying “no” to forced sex. Parents discussed sexuality issues with adolescents to prevent them from premarital sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Parents sourced their knowledge about sexuality from books, television, radio, and personal experiences. Parents always seize opportunities such as television scenes to discuss sexual topics with their children. Although some parents expressed some level of comfort discussing sexual topics with adolescents, many still had difficulties explaining some terminologies related to sex. Preferentially, parents were protective of their girls than the boys when discussing issues on sexuality. Most parents received no sexuality education from their parents but a few reminisced precautionary advices on sex. Parents believed training on sexuality issues will help them to better discuss sexual topics with adolescents. Conclusions. Ghanaian parents preferentially discuss sex with their daughters as a protective tool against irresponsible sexual behaviours. Parents still have challenges discussing adolescent sexuality topics; hence equipping parents to effectively discuss such sensitive topics will improve adolescent reproductive health and sexual behaviour.

Exploring issues in caregivers and parent communication of sexual and reproductive health matters with adolescents in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

“…Our study highlights gaps in parent-child communication of sexual and reproductive health matters. We found that majority of adolescents had never discussed sex-related matters with their parents/caregivers and this is consistent with reports from similar studies [11,17]. However, a few adolescents reported they have had SRH discussions with their mothers; though not statistically significant, more girls reported having had this discussion with mothers, compared to boys.…”

“…In-depth exploration of the contents and triggers of parent-child communication revealed that discussions often centred on pubertal changes, relationship with opposite sex, abstinence from premarital sex, and teenage pregnancy and abortion, and were triggered by environmental factors such as unpleasant or tragic occurrences in the community and parental observations of budding relationships between adolescents of opposite sex. The content and triggers of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) discussions between parents and their children in this study also corroborate findings from similar studies [11,17]. The scope of discussion between parents and their adolescents was found to be limited and this could explain why adolescents would prefer to discuss with their peers and friends who are 'open-minded', rather than their parents.…”

“…Whilst warning their children to abstain from premarital sexual affairs, parents in this study failed to discuss other contraceptive options with their adolescents. This corroborates studies that show that contraception is the least discussed topic between parents and adolescents [1,12,17]. Although some parents may consider some topics 'forbidden', the need to provide complete and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information to adolescents cannot be underscored.…”

“…These types of communication are ineffective in producing positive behaviors among growing 'adults'. Similar to our finding of perfunctory discussions between parents and their adolescents, other authors reported that SRH discussions between parents and adolescents rarely occur, and that parents used unpleasant occurrences as opportunities to discuss with their adolescents [17,20]. In most African cultures, including Nigeria, open discussions on sexual and reproductive health particularly sex-related matters are very scripted and deeply shrouded in mystery [4].…”

“…Discussions between adolescents and their parents in this study appeared to consist mostly of warnings about heterosexual relationship and its consequences on the health and well-being of adolescent girls. Some studies have reported that most discussions engaged by parents with their adolescents are precautionary and authoritative [17,19]. These types of communication are ineffective in producing positive behaviors among growing 'adults'.…”