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
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The study illustrates how deeply rooted gender norms in rural south-western Uganda shape parent–child communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Gendered expectations restrict mothers and fathers to only discussing topics with same-gender children and reinforce unequal socialization, where girls are expected to be submissive and boys are given more freedom. These restrictive norms limit the scope, content, and openness of SRH communication. While some participants noted cultural shifts, the persistence of gendered roles and cultural taboos continues to constrain equitable and effective SRH discussions within families.
Objectives To explore the gendered experiences of primary caregivers and community stakeholders in parent–child communication on SRH issues in rural south-western Uganda, and understand how gender norms shape these interactions.
Methods This qualitative study employed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design. Data collection included community stakeholder engagement meetings (n=2), in-depth interviews (n=12), and focus group discussions (n=3) with 37 primary caregivers and 15 community stakeholders. Participants included biological parents, step-parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles caring for adolescents aged 10–14. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive coding in NVivo, with themes centered around communication practices, gender roles, culture, religion, economic constraints, and media influence.
Results SRH communication was often authoritarian, event-triggered, and gender-specific. Fathers rarely spoke to daughters, and mothers had limited knowledge about boys’ SRH needs. Cultural norms dictated that men were not expected to discuss SRH with girls, reinforcing male detachment and leaving SRH conversations mostly to mothers or extended female relatives. Parents used scare tactics and warnings rather than open dialogue. Religion reinforced abstinence-focused messaging, while media exposure and peer influence undermined parental control. Economic hardship further limited parents’ ability to support discussions (e.g., buying pads), especially for girls. Some parents acknowledged the need to adapt due to changing family structures (e.g., single parenting), but many still struggled with traditional norms.
Conclusions Gender norms significantly limit the effectiveness and equity of SRH communication between parents and adolescents. Addressing these norms is critical for improving SRH outcomes. Interventions should target cultural transformation at the community level, promote gender equality in parenting roles, and support both mothers and fathers in acquiring SRH knowledge and communication skills. Community-based and faith-oriented programs may help shift persistent norms and enhance parent–child communication.
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