Parent-adolescent discussion about reproductive health issues and associated factors among parents in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: adolescence is a transition phase from being a child to an adult. Open positive parent-adolescent communication on reproductive health issues has many positive effects on adolescents, families, and society.

Methods: a community-based cross-sectional study design was employed, and a multistage sampling technique was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with pre-tested structured questionnaires. After data collection, data were coded and entered using Epi data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS version 25 statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the association between explanatory variables and the outcome variable. Variables with a P value less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis and P-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis and corresponding 95% CI of odds ratio were considered to declare a result as statistically significant.

Results: this study has revealed parent-adolescent discussion on reproductive health issues was 55.2%. Age 45-54 (AOR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.28-4.39) and 55-64 (AOR=2.54, 95% CI: 1.15-5.56) years, male parents (AOR= 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89) and monthly income above 158 USD (AOR=3.31, 95% CI: 1.79-6.12) were statistically significant.

Conclusion: more than half of the parents discuss reproductive health issues with adolescents. Age 45-54 and 55-64 years, male parents, and higher incomes were the factors that allowed parent-adolescent discussion on reproductive health issues.