Experiences of secondary school students in Mulanje District on parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health issues
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Date
2019-04-01
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Abstract
This study explored the experiences of secondary school students in Mulanje district on parent-adolescent communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues. Communication on SRH issues between parents and children rarely occurs despite the fact that parents live and spend most of the time with their children. Lack of openness when discussing SRH issues between parents and children negatively impacts on the lives of adolescents. The study employed a descriptive explorative qualitative research. The study was done at Mulanje mission community Day secondary School, in Mulanje District and involved secondary school adolescents aged 12-19 years. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the study participants. Data were collected through in -depth interviews on twenty-two participants using a semi structured interview guide. Qualitative data analysis was done manually using Content analysis. Data that emerged from the analysis was coded and categorized into themes. The study found that the majority of adolescents perceive SRH communication with parents as important. However, the study established that communication between parents and their children does not occur most of the times and if it does, parents give inadequate information because of fear of promoting negative behaviors. The main sources of SRH information were teachers (school), friends and youth centers. Socio cultural factors were found to be a main barrier as it is considered a taboo for parents to talk openly SRH issues in their cultures Common triggers of SRH discussions were; Physiological changes occurring in the children’s life, child’s behavior and negative events/ situations happening in the family and community. The study also established that parents focused on less sensitive SRH topics sensitive SRH topics. It is evident that communication between parents and adolescents on SRH matters is less and inadequate, as such, adolescents are prone to risky sexual behaviours. It is therefore important to empower parents with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can ably and effectively communicate SRH information to their children.