Parent-teenagers’ communication regarding reproductive health issues among the Bukusu in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County.

Abstract

The rising numbers of teenage parents and sexually transmitted infections, as well as an increase in school dropouts due to sexual relationship issues in Bungoma County is on the increase. However, not much is known about parents’ involvement in curbing this vice. This study therefore seeks to determine the social-cultural factors influencing parent-teenage communication on reproductive health issues (RHI), to investigate the influence of cultural change on parent-teenage communication on reproductive health issues on the traditional Bukusu family unit, to examine the influence of parent-teenage communication on reproductive health issues on teenage sexual debut, and to establish how parents can effectively communicate RHI messages to their teenage children. This qualitative study was conducted between March and November 2016. Purposive sampling and snowballing were used to recruit 20 participants in Kabuchai location of Bungoma County. 3 FGDs and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted in either Swahili or Bukusu then transcribed and translated into English. Data was analyzed thematically. This study found that majority of teenagers desire to engage in RHI conversations with their parents, however this is deterred by parents lack of skill and expertise in communicating such content, poor parent-teenage relationship, and traditional Bukusu cultural setup. Additionally, the study established that teenagers are not satisfied with how RHI are handled at family level; teenagers are getting information on RHI from the internet, peers and school curriculum; and parents are concerned about the current drift from the collaborative raising of a child by the community. This study provides valuable insights on factors influencing parent-teenager communication regarding reproductive health issues among the Bukusu Community. Findings from this study may contribute to developing appropriate interventions aimed at encouraging parent-teenager communication regarding reproductive health issues ultimately curbing negative reproductive health outcomes among teenagers. Additionally, these findings will contribute to literature in the communication, cultural and reproductive health studies.