Caretaker-Adolescent Communication on Sexuality and Reproductive Health: My Perceptions Matter; A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perspectives in Unguja-Zanzibar

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of adolescents on caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Using an Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills model, this article highlights areas to emphasise when planning strategies to improve caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Twelve focus group discussions were held with adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years, and data were analysed using content analysis. The participants found it important for caretakers to communicate with adolescents about sexuality to avoid sexual and related health risks. Caretakers were the most preferred communicators, by adolescents, on sexuality matters. It became apparent that information about the use of condoms was the most unpopular topic during the discussions, while information about the use of contraceptives seemed to be more interesting to the majority of the participants. From the adolescents' point of view, the barriers to communication about sexuality on the caretakers' side, include, the belief that such information might encourage promiscuity; some caretakers do not find it easy to discuss matters related to sexuality with their children; and others feel that some adolescents know more about sexuality than themselves. On the other hand, barriers on adolescents' side include, "fear" of the caretakers, some of whom seem harsh, unfriendly, and sometimes unapproachable. Following the findings, it is being suggested that intervention strategies that would help to alleviate communication barriers would consequently facilitate caretaker-adolescent discussions about sexuality and reproductive health.

Parent-adolescent communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues and Associated Factors among Mothers in Wogdie District, North Ethiopia

“…A qualitative nding of this study explored that Lack of knowledge, fear, cultural taboos of communicating SRH with makes adolescent rude and religious taboos of communicating about SRH predispose adolescent to make sin were the major reasons that hinder parent-adolescent communication. This is supported with studies conducted in Yirgalem, Uganda, South Africa and Zanzibar (5)(6)(7)38).…”

Caretaker’s Perceptions on Caretaker-Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Unguja-Zanzibar: Implication for Intervention

“…The suggested communication styles create a barrier between caretakers and adolescents when communicating on SRH issues as was shown in our previous study [29]. Therefore, there is a need to impart appropriate communication skills to caretakers, to help them improve communication about SRH at the family level.…”

Sexual and reproductive health communication intervention for caretakers of adolescents: a quasi-experimental study in Unguja- Zanzibar

“…Initially, the elicitation research as recommended by Fischer and Fisher [18] employed qualitative Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and a quantitative questionnaire with a sample of a target population was carried out [31–33]. While most parts of the intervention contents based on the available DARAJA curriculum were maintained, the interview and FGD of the initial phase helped to better understand important components that needed to be emphasised during the second phase, so as to fit the context of caretakers in Unguja.…”