An Institution-based Cross-sectional Study on Magnitude and Factors Affecting Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues with Their Parents among Secondary and Preparatory School Students in Gimbi Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2015

Abstract

Inadequate reproductive health knowledge has been identified as one of the underlying reasons for poor sexual decision-making and risky behavior among young people. Parent-young people’s communication regarding sexuality and reproductive health is an important and effective means of encouraging young people to adopt, responsible, sexual and reproductive behaviors. Yet, the status of the communication level is not well investigated and literatures recommended further studies on parent-young people’s communication. Therefore, the aim of this article is to assess the magnitude and factors affecting communication with their parents on the sexual and reproductive health issues among high school and preparatory students in Gimbi town Oromia region, Ethiopia 2015. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gimbi town from April 20–24 2015, among high school and preparatory students. Simple random sampling was used to select the total sample size. Ethical clearance was obtained from Mekelle University Institutional Review Board (MUIRB). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percent’s were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Factors that were significant in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were taken into multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value of 0.05 were considered significantly associated in multivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression revealed that being female (AOR= 2.02, 1.06, 3.85), being grade 12 (AOR = 3.92, 95% CI: 1.44–10.65), educational status of mother above grade 12 (AOR= 2.23; 95% CI: 0.79–0.65), having good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health issues (Adjusted OR= 2.53, 95% CI: 1.30–4.90). Involvement in school club (AOR= 3.85, 95% CI: 2–7.42), perceived importance to discuss SRH issues with parents (AOR= 3.07, 95% CI: 1.34–6.95) and ever getting SRH information (AOR= 3.93, 95% CI: 1.77–8.73) were significantly associated with the communication on sexual and reproductive health issues. Student’s communication on sexual and reproductive health issues with their parents was low. Sex of respondents, school grade of students, living arrangement of students, educational status of mother, knowledge of respondents on SRH issues, were significantly associated with communication on sexual and reproductive health issues.

Keywords: Adolescence, communication, parent, school, sexual and reproductive health

Cite this Article

M. Teshoma, G. Miruts, T. Araya et al. An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study On Magnitude And Factors Affecting Communication On Sexual And Reproductive Health Issues With Their Parents Among Secondary And Preparatory School Students In Gimbi Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2015. Research and Reviews: Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2016; 5(1): 22–31p.