Parental influence on reproductive health behaviour of youths in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Summary The study was carried out to document parental influence on the reproductive health behaviour of youths in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 274 youths from Idikan community was carried out. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, parental communication, parental monitoring and sexual practices of respondents were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of27 4 youths were interviewed, 111 (40.5%) were sexually active. The overall mean age at first sexual exposure was 15.2 ± 3.0 yrs (males = 15.4 ± 3.5yrs, females 14.90 ± 2.6yrs). Fifty-two (19.0%) respondents used condom regularly. More out of school youths (42.2%) were more sexually active than those in school (38.7%) (X2 = 0.32 p=0.573). Youths (50.8%) with secondary school education used condom regularly than those with primary education 40.4%- (p>0.05). Mothers were more involved in family life education than fathers (40.9% vs. 16.8%, p<0.05) and family life education was found to promote condom use among the youth were comprehensive family life education by mothers. Predictors of regular condom use among the youths were comprehensive family life education by mothers (OR=6.24, C.I= 2.47-15.75, p=().00l), respondents' level of education (OR=().415, C.l= 0.211-0.814 p=0.011) and occupation (OR=().48, C.l= 0.24-0.95 p= 0.034). While comprehensive family life education by mothers (OR= 2.11, C. 1= 1.04-4.28, p=0.038)), female sex (OR=2.2, C.l= 1.28-3.83 p=0.005) and liberal monitoring pattern by mother (OR=2.16, C.l 1.03-4.53 p=0.04) were predictors of increased sexual activity. Parents particularly mothers can promote safe sexual practices by giving information and education on reproductive health matters.