(027) Socio-Cultural Practices and Sexuality Education among Families in Rural Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexuality education is considered key to the sexual well-being of young people as it empowers them to make informed choices and attain more productive livelihoods. Although it contributes to advancing the sustainable development goals on health and well-being, it remains a challenge among families in sub-Saharan Africa due to socio-cultural norms and misconceptions. Underlining notions are that discussing sexuality issues with young people makes them curious and predisposes them to engage in early sexual activities. Objectives In this study, we accessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and highlight the experiences of young adolescent boys and girls, examine the content of sexuality information parents give to their wards, and highlight the gender differences to sexuality education among these families (i.e., parents and their wards). Methods Based on the narrative of parents and their wards (i.e., young people aged 16 – 19 years), data for the study was gathered through the use of in-depth interviews and group interviews aided by a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were reached through the purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Field data were tape-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Results Our results revealed that adherence to morally and socially appropriate sexual norms among young people (i.e., bodily hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and abstinence from sex) were the central focus of sexuality discussions among families. Socio-economic factors (such as educational level) influenced the sort of sexuality issues discussed among families. Thus, parents with higher educational attainment had liberal views regarding sexuality education and were more open to discuss diverse sexuality issues with their wards than parents with lower educational attainment with conservative views regarding sexuality education. The results also indicated that adolescents who discussed diverse sexuality topics with their parents had “conservative” sexual values than adolescents who discussed diverse sexuality topics with their friends who in-turn had “liberal” sexual values. Conclusions Socio-cultural norms, conservative religious values, and gender disparities among parents and their wards have far-reaching implications on their attitude and behaviour towards sexuality education. Most adolescents preferred other alternative sources (such as their peers and social media) for sexuality information. This invariably influences their sexual attitudes and behaviours. Although these norms and dispositions influence adolescent’s sexual agency, empowering families (i.e., parents and young people) with adequate sexuality knowledge can help correct the misconceptions currently shaping the discourse on sexuality education. Creating supportive and enabling environments is also a key step to the realization of the sexual health needs of young people. Disclosure Yes - International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study – No.