Adolescent Parent Communication Concerning Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues Among Sendafa High School and Preparatory Students

Abstract

Globally, adolescents constitute about one billion of the world's population, with majority living in developing nations. Adolescent parent communication is among several strategies that improves sexual and reproductive health issues. The aim of this study was to determine adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues among Sendafa high school students. Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from May to July, 2016 G. C., at Sendafa high school and preparatory students. All unmarried and aged 13-24, who are attending school during the data collection were included in the study. Study participants were interviewed about their socio demographic characteristics and level of communication with their parents using structured questionnaire. Data were checked for completeness and entered into EPI Info and transferred for analysis to SPSS version 20 software. A total of 304 sendafa high school students were assessed for adolescent parent communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues during study period. The mean age of the respondents was 16.77±1.78SD, with a range of 13-24 years. 190 (62.5%) of students were agreed on the importance of adolescent parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues. 163 (55.9%) and 161 (53.2%) of study participants were discussed with their parents on contraceptive method and STI/HIV/AIDS respectively. 155 (50.9%) of respondents reported that they choices their friends, while 62 (20.4%) and 45 (14.8%) of the study participants choices their sister and mother respectively. According to the finding of the present study the parent adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health issues were low. Therefore, training and education to improve the adolescent-parent communication is recommended for the both.