Parents’ and guardians’ perceptions of sexual and reproductive health communication with youth: A qualitative study in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Sociocultural norms—including taboos, shame, secrecy, and gendered expectations—constrain parent–youth communication about sexual and reproductive health. The discussion emphasizes that simply encouraging parents to communicate is insufficient; interventions must address the cultural, relational, and structural conditions that determine whether these conversations are considered acceptable and possible. Gender norms also shape who communicates with whom, with mothers more likely to discuss sexual and reproductive health with daughters and fathers less involved, potentially reinforcing gender inequalities in young people’s access to information. Community dialogue and engagement with religious and community leaders may help reduce stigma and normalize communication as a protective family responsibility.
Objectives To explore parents’ and guardians’ perceptions of sexual and reproductive health communication with youth in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, including their attitudes, perceived barriers, communication practices, and strategies for strengthening dialogue.
Methods This qualitative study conducted two focus group discussions with 12 parents and guardians (six women and six men), ages 40–68, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected from April to May 2025 using a semi-structured guide and analyzed thematically. Focus group discussions were specifically selected to explore shared perceptions, collective norms, culturally embedded beliefs, community expectations, and areas of consensus or disagreement surrounding sexual and reproductive health communication.
Results Parents generally viewed open, supportive, and early communication as important for helping youth make informed decisions. However, communication was constrained by sociocultural taboos, secrecy and shame, generational resistance, limited parental knowledge and confidence, economic pressures, and competing responsibilities. Gendered communication patterns were prominent: mothers were more likely to communicate with daughters, while fathers were less involved. Participants identified non-authoritarian parenting, emotional safety, age-appropriate discussions, community dialogue, peer education, and engagement of schools, religious institutions, health services, and community organizations as strategies for strengthening communication.
Conclusions Parents recognize the importance of open, early, and supportive sexual and reproductive health communication, but cultural norms, gender norms, limited parental knowledge, generational differences, and socioeconomic pressures restrict effective dialogue. The authors recommend culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, family-centered, and multisectoral approaches that strengthen parental communication skills while addressing broader sociocultural barriers.
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