Assessment of the levels of communication between youth, parents, peers and teachers about reproductive health issues and HIV/AIDS in Nekemte Town, West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The youth is vulnerable to risky sexual and reproductive health behaviors such as unprotected sexual intercourse and not using family planning that could lead to unfavorable health outcomes. Youth communication can be one of the most effective strategies in reducing risky sexual and reproductive health behaviors. Objective: To assess levels of communication between the youth and their parents, peers and teachers about reproductive health issues and HIV/AIDS in Nekemte town. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Four hundred twenty youngsters aged 15-24 years were selected from three sub-cities of Nekemte using simple random sampling procedures. In addition, 12 focus group discussions targeting the youth, parents, governmental and non- governmental employees, religious and elderly people took place in order to complement the quantitative findings. Results: Overall, 61% of the youth scored the mean and above in four-point scale and considered to have good level of communication on reproductive health (RH) and HIV/AIDS. In the multivariate analysis, age, place of residence, education and income were significantly associated with youth communication. Conclusion: A good level of communication about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS issue was documented in this study. However, emerging program interventions on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS by various stakeholders need to take into consideration those who have poor level of communication.