Prevalence of and Factors Influencing Parent–Child Communication About HIV/AIDS, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues in Nigeria

Babatunde Raphael Ojebuyi,Olanrewaju Olugbenga Akinola,Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe

doi:10.1177/2158244019833880

Babatunde Raphael Ojebuyi, Olanrewaju Olugbenga Akinola + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019833880

Copy DOI

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of and factors that determine parent–child communication about HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in Nigeria. The study used data from the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS). The data are nationally representative and offers sociodemographic information on women aged 15 to 49 years and men aged 15 to 64 years. Prevalence of parent–child communication about HIV/AIDS, family planning, and contraception was generally low at 37.4%, 32.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. Determinants of discussions with children on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and contraception were respondents’ zone, economic status, and educational attainment. Parents held more discussions with female children than with the males. Parents aged 50 to 64 years, compared with the younger parents, were double likely (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04; 1.52-2.73) to discuss HIV/AIDS with their wards older than 13 years. Male parents, parents living in urban areas, and parents with richer economic status had higher odds of discussing HIV/AIDS and SRH issues with their wards.

Highlights

Background and RationaleSince the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s (AVERT, 2018), efforts have been consistent to curtail its spread
We found that parent–child communication of HIV/ AIDS and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues is generally low in Nigerian households, and the patterns of this prevalence are not even
Parent–child communication of HIV/AIDS and SRH issues was higher in richer households than in poorer households, higher in families with highly educated parents than with parents with lesser or no formal education, and most prevalent in the Southwestern part of Nigeria but least prevalent in the Northern region of the country

Summary

Introduction

Since the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s (AVERT, 2018), efforts have been consistent to curtail its spread. Unscreened blood transfusions, sharing unsterilized needles and syringes among injecting drug users (IDUs), indiscriminate sexual behaviors, limited knowledge and poor perception of HIV/AIDS, concealment of symptoms for fear of stigmatization, and poverty are key spread factors of the deadly virus (AVERT, 2018; Castro-Arroyave, Mora, Arbeláez, & Mignone, 2018; Fenton, 2004; Ojebuyi, 2009; Wu, Sullivan, Wang, Rotheram-Borus, & Detels, 2007). Wamoyi, Fenwick, Urassa, Zaba, and Stones (2010) reported that as is the case, especially in most developing countries, sexual activities expose young people in Tanzania to increased risks of infection with HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and propensity for an unplanned pregnancy. In Africa, the authors further explained, by age 15, 11% of girls and boys have had sex, while in Tanzania, the rates of condom use by young people are generally low.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion