Parent-young communication on sexual and reproductive health issues and its associated factors: experience of students in Agaro Town, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is at the base of young people's living and wellbeing. A significant number of young peoples are affected by avoidable SRH problems due to a lack of appropriate knowledge regarding SRH. Parent-young communication on SRH is critical in informing them about risk and protective behaviors which in turn decrease the likelihood of involvement in risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the parent-young communication on SRH issues and associated factors among secondary and preparatory school students at Agaro town, Southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: School based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to April 20, 2019 using stratified random sampling technique. A total of 315 students were included to the study. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire entered into Epi data version 3.1; and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A variable having a p-value of < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression model was subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis to avoid the confounding variable’s effect. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at the 95% confidence interval and considered significant with a p-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 20.2 ± 2.6 years. The study finding showed that 61.3% of the participants were discussed on SRH issues with their parents. According to multivariate analysis; educational status of mother [primary education (AOR = 3.67; 95%CI = 1.93, 6.97),secondary education(AOR:2.86; 95%CI = 1.20, 6.80)],educational status of father[primary education (AOR = 5.8;95%CI = 2.8, 12.3,secondary education (AOR = 3.21; 95%CI = 1.55, 6.59)],having family size of < 5 (AOR = 6.4; 95%CI = 3.36, 12.37) and having boy/girlfriend(AOR = 1.99; 95%CI = 1.0, 3.8) were significantly associated with parent-young people communication. CONCLUSION: About two third of the participants communicate with their parents about SRH issues and parents’ educational status, family size of < 5 and having boy/girlfriend were significantly associated with it. The main reasons for not communicated was cultural taboos, shame and parents lack of knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to educate and equip students and parents to address the identified problems. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01553-0.