Mismatch in Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication as Reported by Adolescents and Their Parents in a Border Context of Central Uganda

Patricia Ndugga, Makerere University, Department of Population Studies, College of Business and Management Sciences
Betty Kwagala, Makerere University
Lodrick Odo, Makerere University

Parent-adolescent communication concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH) has significant potential to avert negative health outcomes such as teenage pregnancy in border contexts- known for high rates of early sexual initiation. We conducted a survey to examine the prevalence and factors associated with SRH discussions among 450 parents and 450 adolescents (10-17 years) in Kyotera border district. Adolescents and parents’ responses differed greatly. 68.4% of the parents indicated a mismatch (parent either said yes, they have ever discussed while the child said no and vice versa). In contrast, 31.6% of the adolescents reported disagreement. Disagreement was more likely to happen among employed parents, those who were not comfortable discussing SRH, mothers and those who used friendly approaches to discuss SRH. It is possible that what parents consider as communication does not meet the needs of the adolescents-creating a missed opportunity. This gives an indication of where policy should focus.