Gendered Experiences of Parent–Child Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues: A Qualitative Study Employing Community-Based Participatory Methods among Primary Caregivers and Community Stakeholders in Rural South-Western Uganda

Dorcus Achen, Viola N. Nyakato, Cecilia Akatukwasa, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Wendo Mlahagwa, Ruth Kaziga, Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza, Godfrey Z. Rukundo, Kristien Michielsen, Stella Neema and Gily Coene
Additional contact information
Dorcus Achen: Centre of Expertise on Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
Viola N. Nyakato: Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
Cecilia Akatukwasa: International Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Elizabeth Kemigisha: Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
Wendo Mlahagwa: Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
Ruth Kaziga: International Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza: Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
Godfrey Z. Rukundo: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
Kristien Michielsen: International Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Stella Neema: College of Humanities, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
Gily Coene: Centre of Expertise on Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: Open and positive parent–child communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is known to reduce negative SRH outcomes for young people. However, socio-cultural influences can inhibit meaningful SRH communication. Restrictive gender norms threaten the SRH of adolescents, as they make adolescent boys more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and make girls more vulnerable to negative SRH outcomes. This study intended to critically understand the impact of gender norms and expectations on parent–child SRH communication in rural south-western Uganda. Methods: The study adopted a community-based participatory approach using community stakeholder engagement meetings (n = 2), in-depth interviews (n = 12), and three focus group discussions with parents (n = 18). The study considered biological parents, step-parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, as long as they were primary caregivers of adolescents aged 10–14. Results: Participants elaborated on the socio-cultural aspects that shaped their experiences of parent–child SRH communication such as cultural gender norms, religion, and media influences. They also referred to socio-economic challenges, lack of knowledge, and the role of peers and schools. Conclusions: There is need for community-based interventions to improve parent–child SRH communication to address the deeply rooted cultural and gender contexts in rural south-western Uganda.

Keywords: parent–child communication; sexual and reproductive health; culture; gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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