Parents' Perceptions of Timing of Initiation of Sexuality Discussion with Adolescents in Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Study ObjectiveThis study was aimed at determining the perception of the timing and practice of sexuality discussion among parents in South Eastern Nigeria. DesignA cross-sectional, descriptive, community-based study. SettingThe study was carried out in 3 randomly selected Local Government Areas in Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria. ParticipantsThe study participants were parents with adolescent children resident in the study areas for at least 2 years. ResultsMost parents opined that sexuality discussion should be initiated after puberty. Only 20% of them discussed reproductive health issues often with their adolescents, while another 20% never discussed such issues with their adolescent children. Topics most commonly discussed bordered on the adverse consequences of sex rather than measures for preventing them. About half of parents were willing to discuss contraception with their adolescent child. Predictors of parent-child communication were age, gender, and educational status. ConclusionCommon reasons for low parental involvement in sexuality discussions were due to their lack of capacity and the perception that discussing such issues before puberty is ill timed. Therefore, measures should be taken to improve the capacity of parents to engage in such conversations to provide sexuality information to their teens.