title: Factors affecting effective communication about sexual and reproductive health issues between parents and adolescents in zandspruit informal settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexuality is an important reproductive health topic. Due to complexities associated with adolescent's physiological development, sexuality should be dealt with holistically. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting effective communication between parents and adolescents concerning sexual and reproductive health issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory qualitative study using the focus group discussions method was done to explore amongst other things; social, cultural and religious barriers to communication. Thematic content analysis was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Factors identified included: embarrassment when discussing sexual topics; adolescent misperceptions that guardians want to engage in sexual activities with them; strong belief amongst guardians that reproductive health discussions with adolescents encourages sexual experimentation; belief that adolescents were too young to understand; non-conducive environment for open discussions of sexual and reproductive health matters; cultural and religious beliefs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In view of these findings, there are still barriers in terms of parent-adolescent engagement on issues related to risks associated with sexual behaviours and erroneous reproductive health choices among adolescents. Therefore, there is a need to encourage engagement by creating neutral platforms facilitated by community healthcare providers and/ or social workers. This will help create awareness and bridge the communication and interaction gap by emphasising the importance of effective engagement among adolescents and their parents on matters related to risks associated with sexual behaviours and erroneous reproductive health choices. Post implantation intervention studies are needed to inform on the outcomes of the intervention.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Monash South Africa, Ruimsig, Johannesburg, South Africa; Right to Care, Perth Road, Helen Joseph Hospital, Themba Lethu Wing, Westdene.
authors.forename: Kegaugetswe
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Motsomi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa.
authors.forename: Chandra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Makanjee
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Monash South Africa, Ruimsig, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Tariro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Basera
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Monash South Africa, Ruimsig, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nyasulu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescent sexuality; Johannesburg; parent-child communication; sexual and reproductive health communication