Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. <i>Methods</i>: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. <i>Results</i>: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=2.504, 95%CI ([1.063-5.896]). Parent-child dyad do not discuss sexual health matters was statistically significant at P<0.05, (OR=0.429, 95%CI [0.187-0.985]). Parent-child dyad engage in talks for adolescents’ positive social conduct was statistically significant at P<0.05, (OR=0.211, 95%CI [0.046-0.972]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication for adolescents’ appropriate nurturing was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=0.223, 95%CI [0.051-0.978]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication to share thoughts, feelings and ensure stable relations during adulthood among adolescents was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=5.988, 95%CI [1.192-30.088]). <i>Conclusion</i>: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating.