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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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorcus Achen & Viola N. Nyakato & Cecilia Akatukwasa & Elizabeth Kemigisha & Wendo Mlahagwa & Ruth Kaziga & Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza & Godfrey Z. Rukundo & Kristien Michielsen & Stella Neema & Gily Coen, 2022. "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 ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5052-:d:798700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ali Arazeem Abdullahi & Nafiu T. Abdulquadri, 2018. "New Media and Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviour in Sub-Sahara Africa: Linking Theories to Realities," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(4), pages 21582440188, October.
    2. Nicola Boydell & Winifred Nalukenge & Godfrey Siu & Janet Seeley & Daniel Wight, 2017. "How Mothers in Poverty Explain Their Use of Corporal Punishment: A Qualitative Study in Kampala, Uganda," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 29(5), pages 999-1016, November.
    3. Anna B. Ninsiima & Els Leye & Kristien Michielsen & Elizabeth Kemigisha & Viola N. Nyakato & Gily Coene, 2018. "“Girls Have More Challenges; They Need to Be Locked Up”: A Qualitative Study of Gender Norms and the Sexuality of Young Adolescents in Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-16, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tetti Solehati & Iqbal Pramukti & Agus Rahmat & Cecep Eli Kosasih, 2022. "Determinants of Adolescent Reproductive Health in West Java Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-9, September.

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