Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kinondoni District, Dar-es-salaam
region during June -July 2001, to determine the factors associated with parent-
child communication regarding sexual and reproductive health matters in
Kinondoni District.
The communities within Kinondoni district were selected using a multistage
sampling technique involving wards and streets. The participants were randomly
selected from the respective household. Information on factors associated with
parent-child communication was obtained using an interview schedule. A total
of 249 parents with children above ten years were interviewed.
The results of this study indicate that 51.8% of the parents communicate sexual
and reproductive health matters with their children. The study observed that what
parents communicate with their children was not enough and the mode of
discussion was prescriptive or non interactive. Parents were the main initiator of
the discussion. Increase in age was found to be associated with presence of
communication between parents and their children. Other variables, age, sex,
religion, education level, number of children and marital status showed to have
no association with parent-child communication regarding sexual reproductive
health matters.
For the parents who did not communicate sexual and reproductive health issues
with their children, reasons mentioned were that their children will be taught in
school, others commented that their children are not mature, some said their
