Abstract
BackgroundSexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices. In many South African households, third-generation female caregivers, often grandmothers or other older females, locally known as gogos, are primary caregivers of children due to parents being deceased or absent. Subsequently, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to these gogos. This study explored the experiences of gogos living in Alexandra, Johannesburg on talking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children aged 10–18 years that are in their care.MethodsTen primary caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified.ResultsAll gogos selected found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and traditional values impacting on personal experiences as well as generation and gender barriers. Perceived low self-efficacy due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS also contributed to low levels of sexual reproductive health communication.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about sexual reproductive health in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care.
Highlights
Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices
Despite the declining Human ImmunoDeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevalence globally, nearly half of all new HIV infections still occur among youth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa [1]
Adolescents are vulnerable to HIV infection as adolescence is a time of experimentation with sex [3] and when sexuality and sexual behaviour is shaped [4]
Summary
Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices. This study explored the experiences of gogos living in Alexandra, Johannesburg on talking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children aged 10–18 years that are in their care. Adolescents are vulnerable to HIV infection as adolescence is a time of experimentation with sex [3] and when sexuality and sexual behaviour is shaped [4]. Adolescent sexual decision-making and behaviour are influenced by a number of factors at individual, peer, family, community and societal levels, with parents in particular playing a significant role [5]. Interventions that encourage the development of healthy sexual norms among adolescents can lead to a reduction in risk taking behaviour [4]. Research on the role of communication between parents and children in the development of adolescent sexual behaviour has established the importance of parent-child sexuality communication in reducing sexual risk behaviour [5,6,7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
