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. 2014:2014:102579.
doi: 10.1155/2014/102579. Epub 2014 May 29.

Factors affecting parent-adolescent discussion on reproductive health issues in Harar, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta  1 , Haji Kedir Bedane  2 , Abera Kenay Tura  1
Affiliations

Factors affecting parent-adolescent discussion on reproductive health issues in Harar, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta et al. J Environ Public Health. 2014.

Abstract

Background: Open family discussion on reproductive health (RH) issues often leads to increased awareness on RH matters and reduces risky behaviors among adolescents. This study was conducted to assess factors affecting parent-adolescent discussion on RH issues in Harar, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using face to face interview supplemented with focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted on 751 randomly selected parents of 10-19-year-old adolescents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.

Results: More than one-fourth (28.76%) of parents reported discussing RH issues with their adolescents during the last six months. In the logistic regression, parents who have demonstrated good RH knowledge and positive attitude towards RH were almost six times and seventy percent (AOR 5.69, 95% CI: 3.67-8.82; AOR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.08-2.68) higher in discussing RH with their adolescents than their counterparts, respectively.

Conclusion: Parent-adolescent discussion about RH issues rarely occurs and is bounded by lack of knowledge, sociocultural norms, and parental concern that discussion would encourage premarital sex. Reproductive health programs should target on improving awareness of parents and addressing sociocultural norms surrounding reproductive health issues.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Parents' knowledge of adolescent reproductive health components in Harar town, Harari region, Ethiopia, May 2010.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of common reproductive health topics discussed between parents and their adolescents in Harar town, Harari region, Ethiopia, May 2010.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Reasons for not discussing RH matters between parents and adolescents in Harar, Ethiopia, May 2010.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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