Centre of Expertise on Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 21;19(9):5052. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095052.
Open and positive parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is known to reduce negative SRH outcomes for young people. However, socio-cultural influences can inhibit meaningful SRH communication. Restrictive gender norms threaten the SRH of adolescents, as they make adolescent boys more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and make girls more vulnerable to negative SRH outcomes. This study intended to critically understand the impact of gender norms and expectations on parent-child SRH communication in rural south-western Uganda.
The study adopted a community-based participatory approach using community stakeholder engagement meetings (n = 2), in-depth interviews (n = 12), and three focus group discussions with parents (n = 18). The study considered biological parents, step-parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, as long as they were primary caregivers of adolescents aged 10-14.
Participants elaborated on the socio-cultural aspects that shaped their experiences of parent-child SRH communication such as cultural gender norms, religion, and media influences. They also referred to socio-economic challenges, lack of knowledge, and the role of peers and schools.
There is need for community-based interventions to improve parent-child SRH communication to address the deeply rooted cultural and gender contexts in rural south-western Uganda.
本研究旨在深入了解性别规范和期望对乌干达西南部农村地区亲子性与生殖健康（SRH）沟通的影响。
本研究采用基于社区的参与式方法，包括社区利益相关者参与会议（n=2）、深入访谈（n=12）和与父母的三次焦点小组讨论（n=18）。研究对象包括 10-14 岁青少年的亲生父母、继父/母、祖父母、叔叔/阿姨，只要他们是青少年的主要照顾者。
参与者详细阐述了影响亲子 SRH 沟通的社会文化方面，如文化性别规范、宗教和媒体影响。他们还提到了社会经济挑战、知识缺乏以及同伴和学校的作用。
需要在农村地区开展基于社区的干预措施，以改善亲子 SRH 沟通，解决乌干达西南部根深蒂固的文化和性别背景问题。
