Sexual and reproductive health outcomes and parent-child communication among youth in western Kenya

PURPOSE: The high rates of adolescent pregnancy in Kenya are due, in part, to the lack of discussions about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) between children and their parents/guardians. The aim of this study was to assess the association between parent-child communication and SRH outcomes among youth in western Kenya. METHODS: Cross-sectional data was collected in September 2022 from 1,598 youth (ages 15-24) who completed a survey about parent- child communication and SRH behaviors. Using descriptive statisticsand logistic regressions, we assessed the association between parent-child communication and three SRH outcomes: intention to abstain from sex, use of family planning methods, and consistent condom use. RESULTS: Results showed that the intention to abstain from sex was high among all study participants (65 %). Among those with prior sexual experience, the use of family planning methods was high (68 %), while consistent condom use was low (39 %). Parent-child communication about SRH was low, with a mean score of 5.5 out of 14.Findings indicated significant positive associations between parent-child communication and intention to abstain for at least one year (AOR= 1.07; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.10), and consistent condom use (AOR = 1.08; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.12), although the use family planning methods among females was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Parents do not frequently discuss sexual topics with their children.While there were differences in rates of intention to abstain by gender, parent-child communication was significant.There is a need to equip parents and youth with SRH discussion skills toimprove SRH outcomes among adolescents.