The perception of adolescent toward parent to child communication on sexual reproductive health issues
Loading...
Date
2022-08-17
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
This study will explore the perceptions of adolescents in the Salima district on parent-child
communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues. Communication on SRH issues between
parents and children hardly occurs even though parents live and spend most of the time with their
children. Lack of openness when discussing SRH issues between parents and adolescents is associated
with risky sexual practices that are detrimental to adolescents' health and well-being.
Problem statement
Intergeneration discussion on sexual reproductive health issues is regarded as taboo in most African
countries, Malawi inclusive. It is believed that it predisposes adolescents to early sexual debut.
Nevertheless, for adolescents to be able to enhance their sexual life positively as they grow they need to
be adequately informed on issues of SRH by their parents. Failing which, adolescents get information
from the wrong sources and this has led to exposure to several health risks including sexually transmitted
infections, HIV and AIDS, unwanted teenage pregnancy, unsafe induced abortion, and low education
attainment
Broad Objective
The broad objective of the study is to explore adolescents’ perception in Salima District on parent-tochild
communication on sexual reproductive health issues
Specific Objectives
The objectives of the study are: 1) To explore how the adolescent perceives parent-to-child
communication. 2) To understand the sexual reproductive health topics that the adolescents perceive
important to discuss with parents. 3) To describe the perceived communication strategies used during
parent-to-child communication in homes. 4) To explore the perceived challenges of parent to child
communication on sexual and reproductive health issues
Methodology
This study will be a descriptive qualitative study to be carried out in Salima district(Malawi). Salima has
purposively been selected because it is one of the districts in Malawi with high rate of teenage pregnancy.
According to Malawi Demographic Health Survey (MDHS) (2015-16), teenage pregnancy rate for
Salima is below the national average rate 26% and 29% respectively. However, Salima district has high
rate of teenage pregnancy as compared to the average rate of central region which is at 25% (MDHS
2015-16). The study will involve adolescents aged 12-19 years. This age group is considered mature and can provide precise information. Data will be collected through in-depth interviews with twenty
participants using an interview guide. All interviews will be sound recorded, transcribed verbatim, and
will be analyzed manually. Ethical approval will be obtained from College of Medicine Research and
Ethics committee. The institutional clearance has been granted from the Director of Health and Social
Services for Salima District Hospital.
Expected Findings
The study will establish if communication on sexual reproductive health issues between parent and their
adolescents do/don’t occur. This will help to close the communication gap between parents and their
adolescents on sexual reproductive health issues. Parents/families will understand their role and the
importance of parent-to-child communication on sexual reproductive health issues. In addition, the
expected findings will also help the policymakers, programme managers, decision makers and advocators
to revise or inform the development process of health intervention to address adolescent sexual
reproductive health in the light of HIV and AIDS prevention.
Dissemination of findings
The findings of this study will be presented to the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee
and the Ministry of Health through Salima District Health Office from where the data will be collected.
The study finding will be published in respectable peer-reviewed journals and presented at the
conference.
Description
Keywords
Parent to child communication on sexual reproductive health issues