Parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health information communication in Ghana

TL;DR

This study explores how parents and teenagers in Ghana can communicate better about sexual and reproductive health to improve health outcomes.

Contribution

The study integrates systematic review findings with qualitative data to guide culturally sensitive SRH communication interventions in Ghana.

Findings

Effective SRH communication is linked to communication skills between parents and adolescents.

The content and motivation for sharing SRH information influence communication effectiveness.

Intervention delivery methods, experts, and location are key factors in adapting SRH programs.

Abstract

A culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information communication intervention which is effective can improve SRH information communication (IC) between parents and their adolescents. This facilitates adolescents’ informed SRH decisions to optimise positive SRH outcomes.

The aim of this article was to integrate the findings from a systematic review and a qualitative study on sexual and reproductive health information communication and the considerations to make in adapting an effective parent-adolescent SRH information communication intervention from the systematic review findings.

Explanatory sequential Mixed Methods Research was used; first, a quantitative Systematic Review was conducted in lower-and-middle-income countries, utilising Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) software for reviews. The systematic review findings were then explained, utilizing an exploratory qualitative design in the second phase of the study. A purposive sample of ten parent-adolescent pairs was selected from Asante Akyem North Municipality of Ghana and all participants were interviewed individually. The sample was based on the demographics highlighted in the systematic review. A semi-structured interview guide was developed from the findings of the systematic review.

The results confirmed that effective SRH information communication interventions are associated with parent-adolescent SRH information communication skills. SRH communication is also influenced by the SRH information parents and adolescents have and the personal and social motivation to communicate the information. The method of intervention delivery, the experts involved, and the place of delivery were also identified as important issues to consider in adapting and implementing an intervention.

The study has provided information on the components of a culturally sensitive SRH information communication intervention. The contextual information gathered, which explained the systematic review findings, will be helpful in the adaptation of SRH information communication intervention.

Figures