A study to determine parents' knowledge attitude and practice towards sexual issues of adolescence in lusaka.

Abstract

The dissertation is based on the results of a study conducted in Kabwata Township in Lusaka District. It was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out between 30th October and 30th November 2002. The respondents were fifty parents who have children aged between 10 19 years. Non-probability sampling method was used to select respondents. Review of literature on relevant studies reviewed that adolescent sexuality needs to be addressed with urgency and dealt with from all angles. The need for parents to address these issues is crucial because parents know and understand their children better. Parents give advice to their adolescent children on various subjects and therefore it is morally right for them also to impart an understanding on sexual issues. This helps adolescents affirm their moral behaviour, postpone their sexual debut and/ or make informed choices on issues of sexuality. The data collection tool used was an Interview Schedule. Data was analyzed manually and using a scientific calculator. It is presented in inform of Tables, Pies and Graphs. The findings of the study showed that 64% of the respondents were females and 44% had secondary school education. Majority of parents 28 (56%), had medium level of knowledge. Most of the respondents with high or medium knowledge level were also in formal employment. The implies that they have limited time to discuss with their adolescent children. Majority of respondents (90%) had negative attitudes towards sexuality issues of adolescence while 76% had negative practice. Parents' cultural orientation had an effect on parents' attitudes and practice towards sexuality issues. About 46% of the parents had discussed sexuality issues with their children, mainly of the same sex and only on HIV/AIDS, STIs and abstinence from sex until marriage. Some of the parents 22% , reported having not discussed sexuality issues with their children who were 10 years and above, because it is a taboo and / or they did not know how to go about the subject.