ADOLESCENT–PARENT COMMUNICATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE-NIGERIA

Abstract

Adolescent – parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues have been a challenge in developing countries where culture and tradition have seemingly embargoed such discussions. The study investigated adolescent – parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues among secondary school students in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State. The specific objectives were to: ascertain the level of awareness of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issue, the effects of SRH communication on sexual practices and behavior, and the factors affecting adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues. The study adopted the family communication theory as a theoretical guide and adopted a cross sectional survey design. A total of 394 respondents were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire. Data were analyzed and hypotheses were tested with the use of SPSS and descriptive statistics utilizing frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed among others that the level of awareness of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues among secondary school students in the area was low; the major effects of SRH communication on the sexual practices and behaviour wereincreased knowledge and understanding of risky sexual behaviour, delay in early sexual debut, improved contraceptive use and reduced incidences of unplanned pregnancies. Factors affecting adolescent parent communicationon SRH issues were identified as cultural and social norms like taboos and generational gap, fear of misconception, negative societal attitudes towards discussing sexuality which create shame and discomfort.The study recommends that parents should improve adolescent – parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues to ensure the passage of genuine information to adolescents to enable them make informed choices concerning their sexual lives; parents should initiate discussions on SRH issues with their adolescents’ children early in life to ensure that they make the right choices concerning their sexual life. Parents should also forge strong bonds with their children through an atmosphere of friendship and trust, to enable them freely discuss sensitive issues concerning sexual and reproductive health issues.