Factors affecting effective communication about sexual and reproductive health issues between parents and adolescents in Zandspruit informal settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Pan African Medical Journal

Chandra Makanjee¹  Peter Nyasulu²  Kegaugetswe Motsomi²  Tariro Basera² 

[1] Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa;School of Health Sciences, Monash South Africa, Ruimsig, Johannesburg, South Africa;

关键词: adolescent sexuality;    parent-child communication;    sexual and reproductive health communication;    johannesburg;   

DOI  :  10.11604/pamj.2016.25.120.9208

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

INTRODUCTION: communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexuality is an important reproductive health topic. Due complexities associated with adolescent's physiological development, sexuality should be dealt with holistically. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting effective communication between parents and adolescentsconcerning sexual and reproductive health issues. METHODS: an exploratory qualitative study using the focus group discussions method was done to explore amongst other things; social, cultural and religious barriers to communication. Thematic content analysis was done. RESULTS: factors identified included: embarrassment when discussing sexual topics; adolescent misperceptions that guardians want to engage in sexual activities with them; strong belief amongst guardians that reproductive health discussions with adolescents encourages sexual experimentation; belief that adolescents were too young to understand; non-conducive environment for open discussions of sexual and reproductive health matters; cultural and religious beliefs. CONCLUSION: in view of these findings, there are still barriers in terms of parent-adolescent engagement on issues related to risks associated with sexual behaviours and erroneous reproductive health choices among adolescents. Therefore, there is a need to encourage engagement by creating neutral platforms facilitated by community healthcare providers and/ or social workers. This will help create awareness and bridge the communication and interaction gap by emphasising the importance of effective engagement among adolescents and their parents on matters related to risks associated with sexual behaviours and erroneous reproductive health choices. Post implantation intervention studies are needed to inform on the outcomes of the intervention.

【 授权许可】

Unknown