Abstract:
Introduction_ Sexuality and reproductive health is an area that generates misconceptions,
confusion, fear and unwarranted caution to say the least. Most people agree that parents
should talk to their children about human reproduction and should discuss both biological
facts of life and moral standards for sexual behavior. Yet in practice parent-child
communication on sexual matters is often minimal or non-existent. Thus children are left to
grow on their own without much parental guidance.
Objectives_ to assess the communication status of school youth and their parents on sexual
and reproductive health issues and influencing factors in Bahir dar special zone, Amhara
Region, from march 12 to march 28.
Methodology_ a cross sectional institution based descriptive study design utilizing both
quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted in Bahir dar special zone secondary
schools.
Result_ Preferred sources of SRH information were media (71.9%) followed by school
(68.8%). As to sex of preference, 455 (58.9%) preferred to discuss with same sex. Religious
leaders & fathers were the least preferred one for discussion (20.5%, 23.1% respectively). The
most frequently mentioned main source of information for SRH issues were school
661(86.4%). Female students were 1.75(95% CI=1.25_2.44) times more likely to get SRH
information from their home than males. There is a difference in preferred & actual source of
informations especially in Home, Religious institutions & Health facilities. From a total of 773
students, 467(60.4%) of students had communicated in atleast two of SRH communication
variables. Out of those who communicated on SRH issues, only four (0.9%) students
communicated on all of the seven communication variables. One hundred eighty three (23.7%)
of the respondents reported that they had discussed on Contraception with parents.
Conclusion_ There is a gap in the preferred & actual source of information, especially in that
of Home, Religious institutions & Health facilities. More than 60% (60.4%) of students had
communicated with parents on SRH issues. But majority of the young people (>75%) had
communicated in less than half of the seven communication variables
Recommendation_ having continued programme that sensitize parents & students for open
discussion & Different programmes should be developed to help parents to have adequate
knowledge on SRH issues, to develop communication skill etc.
