FACTORS AFFECTING PARENTS-ADOLESCENTS' COMMUNICATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES IN JUBA CITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Mohammed  	Sendagi; SUNDAY IMUNU VALERIANO  LABALU; Denis  Mubiru

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1326

Authors

Mohammed Sendagi School of Public Health Team University.
SUNDAY IMUNU VALERIANO LABALU Team university
Dr. Denis Mubiru School of graduate studies and research, Team University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1326

Keywords:

Socio-demographic, cultural and religious factors, Juba City, Adolescent-parents communication on sexual reproductive health issues.

Abstract

Background.

Effective communication between parents and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues is essential, yet challenging for many parents across Africa. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of socio-demographic, cultural, and religious factors on communication between parents and their adolescent children concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in Juba City.

Methods.

This study, conducted in Juba, employed a mixed-methods approach targeting parents and adolescents. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted in seventeen clusters, with a target sample of 384 households. Key informants, including village elders and school principals, were also interviewed.

Results.

Nearly half of parents (44.16%) were unaware of their children's sexual activity, while 41.55% of adolescents reported being sexually active. Most sexually active adolescents-initiated relationships between ages 10 and 13 years. Fathers/guardians primarily worked in government or NGOs (43.27%), while mothers/guardians were mostly business people (42.7%). The majority of adolescents (62.46%) lived in medium-sized families. 40.26% of parents had never provided sex education to their children. Most parents (37.34%) believed their communication efforts did not reduce adolescents' sexual activity, while 40.58% reported no delay in sexual activity due to communication. Religion was a significant communication barrier, with 27.9% of parents and 35.8% of adolescents citing it. Culture was also a major challenge, according to 25.97% of parents and 9.17% of adolescents.

Conclusion.

Despite a high prevalence of adolescent sexual activity, communication between parents and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues is low in Juba. Employment, culture, and religion significantly influence communication dynamics.

Recommendation.

There is a need to enhance information, education, and communication initiatives targeting both parents and adolescents to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes.