Journal article
Sexual and reproductive health outcomes and parent-child communication among youth in western Kenya
Sexual & reproductive healthcare, Vol.47, 101179
01/21/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101179
PMID: 41570537
Abstract
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 statistics and 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 to improve SRH outcomes among adolescents.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Sexual and reproductive health outcomes and parent-child communication among youth in western Kenya
- Creators
- Sylvia Ayieko - University of IowaNema C.M. Aluku - Kenya Community Development FoundationAbigail A. Lee - University of IowaWilliam T. Story - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Sexual & reproductive healthcare, Vol.47, 101179
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101179
- PMID
- 41570537
- NLM abbreviation
- Sex Reprod Healthc
- ISSN
- 1877-5756
- eISSN
- 1877-5764
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/21/2026
- Academic Unit
- School of Social Work; Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9985129656102771
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