Challenges Of Parents-Children Communication On Sexual And Reproductive Health: A Case Of Secondary School Students In Kinondoni Municipality, Dar Es Salaam

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted with the main objective of examining the challenges of parents-children communication on sexual and reproductive health issues. This cross-sectional descriptive study design included a sample of 160 students aged from 13-19, 10 parents, two teachers and one health professional drawn from premises of Mbezi and Tegeta in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data whereby the questionnaires were completed by 160 students followed by in-depth interviews with parents, teachers, health professional and students who were selected from the initial samples of survey.

The findings showed that 154 (96%) students were aware of reproductive health and a large number of the respondents knew about STI and HIV/AIDS. Majority of the students recognized the importance of sexual and reproductive health issues communication with their parents. Even though respondents accepted the importance of communication between parents and their adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues, 87% did not discuss sexual and reproductive health related issues with their either fathers or mothers. Gender difference, traditions, religious beliefs, insufficient knowledge and fear were alleged to prohibit parents talking to their adolescent children especially about sexual and reproductive issues. Lastly but not least, the study revealed that the most popular response was that it was possible to improve parents-children communication on sexual and reproductive health issues by increasing parents’ awareness, initiating discussion and children’s willingness to learn from their parents.