Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among high school students in Woldia town, Northeastern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication is most likely to promote healthy sexual practices and to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Communication is the principal means for parents to transmit sexual values and knowledge to their children. This study aimed to assess adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues among high school students in Woldia town. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15-31, 2016. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 693 students from Grades 9 and 10. Data were entered into Epi-info version 3.5.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression with Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI) was used to identify the independent predictors of adolescent-parent communication. RESULTS: 674 students accepted to participate in this study giving a response rate of 97.3%. Only 205(30.4%) had discussed on two or more SRH topics with their parents. In logistic regression analyses, mothers who could read and write [AOR=2.0; 95% CI=1.3-3.1] and had diploma certificate [AOR=2.0; 95% CI=1.4-2.9] were more likely to discuss on SRH issues with their children. Adolescents who agreed on the importance of discussion on SRH issues [AOR=2.5; 95% CI=1.3-4.5], whoever got SRH information [AOR=2.0; 95% CI=1.4-2.9] and those whoever had sexual intercourse [AOR=1.7; 95% CI=1.1-2.6] were more likely to discuss on different SRH issues with their parents. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues was inadequate. Therefore, there is a need to equip and educate parents on different adolescents' SRH issues.