# I. Introduction dolescent is experimental, transitional and enjoyment time, they also susceptible to different sexual and reproductive health problems. Neglect of this group will not progress and achieve to sustainable development goal, meanwhile parentadolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health is pivotal to reduce reproductive health problems and develop self-confidence for future [1]. There are 1.2 billion adolescents live in the world. Half of the population in 17 developing countries were under the age of 18.Currently over 20.19 million (24.1%) of the adolescents live in Ethiopia [2, 3,4]. Now days 11% of birth and 14% of maternal death was occurred under the age of 19, almost 95% of adolescents birth was happened in developing countries [5,6]. Every year in the world, adolescents are experiencing 7.4 million unintended pregnancies and 3 million unsafe abortions, especially in sub African every day 270 teenage pregnancies [7,8]. In the other hand in the world, an estimated 1,300,000 adolescent girls and 780,000 adolescent boys are living with human immunedeficiency virus (HIV) [9]. Sexual and reproductive health matter communication is taking a lion shares' to transmit sexual values, beliefs, expectations, knowledge and experience between parents and adolescents [10]. Likewise, parent-adolescent communication is a fundamental means to transmit ideas, real situations, existing things, expectations, knowledge, their life experiences and the current conditions of parentadolescent relations'. Parents are spent most of the time with their adolescent; they have an opportunity to communicate with their adolescents on a daily basis and can play a critical role in shaping their adolescents transitioned to adulthood. Most of the parents would like to communicate their adolescent about sexual matters superficially, due to lack necessary communication skills, knowledge, or comfort [11,12,13]. Over all the past five decades children mortality among under five decrease by 80%, meanwhile adolescents mortality rate were improved by 41-48% [9]. Generally to decrease significantly adolescents morbidity and mortality Parentadolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health issues were crucial and can greatly reduce adolescents' sexual risk [14]. There is very little data available in the study area. Therefore, this study was planned to determine the prevalence of repetition parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters among secondary and preparatory school students in Yirgalem Town, South Ethiopia. # II. Methods # a) Study setting and populations The study was a cross sectional quantitative design and qualitative study were triangulated. conducted from February to March 2015, 2 secondary and preparatory schools in Yirgalem, Southern Nation Nationalities regional state of Ethiopia .It covers 28 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 38,438 [15].The study population was all students from grade 9 to grade 12 who unmarried adolescents in the age group 10-19 years were included in the study and sick and unable to read local language were excluded in the study. Among 7035 students in the academic years 2014/2015. From this, 54.9% were females and 45.1% were males [16]. There are 684 study participants were selected by simple random sampling technique. # b) Sample size determination Sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula by considering assumption of parent-adolescent communicating on sexual and reproductive health issues were 69.5% [6], desired precision of 5%, 95% confidence level. Ten percent for non-response rate, 684 students were required for the study. # c) Data Collection Pre-tested an anonymous self-administered structured questionnaires were prepared after reviewing different relevant literatures [17,18,19]. The questionnaires were first prepared in English and then translated to Amharic, the local language of the respondents in the study area. The data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to all students during the data collection period, and who met the inclusion criteria. # d) Data Quality Control Data were collected by two days trained eight Diploma nurse on the objectives of the study, sampling procedure, checking the completeness of questionnaires. Questionnaires were pre-tested at Leku high school to assess clarity, flow and consistency and revised prior to start data collection. # e) Focus group discussion A series of four focus group discussions were carried out among purposively selected parents who have adolescents age 10-19 years enrolled in high school in Yirgalem Town. The criteria to select study participants on focus group discussion was purposively sampling techniques were used. The kebele leader was told about the objective of the study and then selected those parents who have adolescents age 10-19, who can explain /express their ideas thoroughly. Moreover, the characteristics of the study participants were similar in socio-demographic like (age, sex etc). The facilitators /moderators were principal investigators and trained health extension workers who can take note and as well as moderates the female parents to increase the quality of information. The focus group discussion was conducted separately mothers and fathers increase the quality of information that could be generated ideas and the confidence of the respective parents. To understand /to get their opinion fully tape recorder was used. There were eight participants in each group. A semi structured questionnaire guideline was used to lead the discussion. # f) Data analysis Data were entered using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and exported to analyze SPSS version 20.0. Bivariate analysis was done to see the association of each independent variable with the outcome variable. Potential confounders (important) variables were entered into binary logistic regression model to identify the effect of each independent variable with the outcome variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and adjusted odds ratio with 95 % CI was calculated to determine association. Finally, the result was presented in texts, tables and graphs. For Qualitative, data were transcripts and translated to English. FGD study components were present by using quotes and explanations. # g) Ethical consideration Ethical approval and clearance was taken from institutional review board of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University. Regional Education Bureau also gave permission to conduct the study. After explaining the purpose of the study, verbal informed consent was obtained from respondents before data collection. The right to withdraw the study at any time was also assured. Coding was used to eliminate names and other personal identification of respondents throughout the study process to ensure participants confidentiality. # III. Results # a) Socio demographic characteristics of the respondents A total of 660 participants were recruited for the study, which makes the response rate 96.5 %. Among the respondents 339(51.4%) were females, 316 (47.9%) were from grade 9 followed by grade 10, 11 and 12 accounting 243(36.8%), 49(7.4% and 52(7.9%) respectively and 50.6% were aged 13-16, while the rest were aged 17 to 19 years old. Their living arrangement 532 (80.6%) o were living with their both parents and 64 (9.7%) were living with others (Table 1). The educational status of parents were 49 (7.4%) of fathers and 99 (15%) of mothers could not read and write, while 146 (22 or monthly on HIV/AIDS (Table 7).One hundred fifty six literate fathers were discussed sometimes or monthly on HIV/AIDS (Table 8). This is evident from the parent response, "I discuss my adolescents related to reproductive health problems especially HIV/AIDS ?and its consequences?.like school drop, social stigmatization, meanwhile, I discussed my male adolescent sexual intercourse made underage with girl might be accused and went to prison as that time, school drop, their vision will become dark" a 50-year-old male discussant. Another parent discussant "we have daily discussion regarding their activities, everyone have daily reports where, with whom, after that every things discuss before dinner, we have also "betseb gubaye" which means daily dairy reports from adolescents and how to overcame the problems a 54-year-old male" discussant. A 46 years female discussant "we have family meeting & discussion with my adolescent open dialogue about reproductive health issues like the advantage of abstinence, STI and consequence, menstruation, puberty or sexual intercourse negative consequence and sexual intercourse positive consequence throughout on their life. On the other hand every my adolescents have weekly reports regarding their activities". "He said that I am desired to communicate with my adolescents regarding sexual and reproductive health matters, but difficult to communication lack of skill and the topics how to discuss." A 60 years male discussant. # Table 3 : Repetition of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters (N=390) In bracket is percent Multiple responses are possible Three hundred eighty respondents had discussed about addictions most of parent-adolescent communication on chat chewing (Figure 1). # c) Factors associated with repetition of parentadolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues Three hundred ninety (59.1%) of adolescents recognized the importance to discuss about sexual and reproductive health issues with their parents. However, most of students were discussed some times or monthly at least one topic sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents 2.3 times monthly were discussed on HIV/AIDS than others [AOR = 2.296, 95% CI: 1.500-3.514]. Parents 1.4 times were discussed on chat than others [AOR = 1.379, 95% CI: 1.175-2.574]. Parents 1.5 times were discussed on alcohol than others [AOR = 1.496, 95% CI: 1.003-2.232] (Table 9). # IV. Discussion The prevalence of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues among adolescents in this study was 59.1%. This finding is slightly lower than the study was conducted in Nekmete 65.5% [18]. But higher than compared to the studies were done in other parts of Ethiopia [19,20,21]. This might be due to demographic and cultural difference. Parents 2.3 times monthly were discussed on HIV/AIDS than others [AOR = 2.296, 95% CI: 1.500-3.514]. Inconsistently the study was done in USA adolescent discussed their parent about sex 52.4% of parents said that very comfortable, but 25 % parents said that somewhat less comfortable [10]. This finding, Parents 1.4 times were discussed on chat than others [AOR = 1.379, 95% CI: 1.175-2.574]. Similar study was done in USA adolescents were communicated atleast one topics in the past six month [22]. In this study, Parents 1.5 times were discussed on alcohol than others [AOR = 1.496, 95% CI: 1.003-2.232]. Another study was done Caribbean family connectedness, school connectedness religious and individual values of reduced the likelihood sexual activity [1].In this study parent adolescent communication 71(10.2%) were made sexual intercourse. Other findings in USA parents were discussed with telling family culture to increase parent adolescent bond [23]. In this finding, from parent adolescent did not discuss 74(11.2%) were made sexual intercourse. Another study was done in USA adolescents who viewed religions as very important 27% were less likely to ever have had sex compared to adolescents who did not view religion as very important [OR =0 .75, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86] [24,25].Approximately one third of (N=1,076 or 32% of respondents reported frequent attendance (atleast one per week) at religious services. Those adolescents who attended services frequently were 46% less likely to ever have had sex compared to adolescents who attended religion services less frequently or not at all [OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63]. Among (N=1,4233 or 62% respondents reported that they had had abstinence plus education .The first topic they had discussed to their parents about were 15% less likely to ever have had sex [OR =0 .85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95] [24]. # V. Conclusion In this study repetition of parent-adolescent communications on sexual and reproductive health, issues were very low. Parents 2.3 times monthly were discussed on HIV/AIDS than others [AOR = 2.296, 95% CI: 1.500-3.514]. # VI. Recommendation The community would be established reproductive health club. The mass media also give coverage regarding this issue. Sensitize the community to encourage open discussion among family members in general and between parents and adolescents in early age. It is important to encourage and empower parents to start to communicate with their adolescents on sexual matters while the adolescents are still in late childhood or early teenage years, before they become sexually active. The health extension workers train parents how to communication their adolescents. Role model families' and adolescent shares their experience. Stake holders encourage social norms like waiting sex intercourse until marriage and begin to give scholarship like short term training those especially delay sexual intercourse until youth. Further qualitative and analytical study design is recommended on adolescents and parents communication. 2![Figure 2 : Parent-adolescent communication on addictions (N=660) Multiple responses are possible](image-2.png "Figure 2 :") occupations of fathers 215 (32.6%) were farmers, 253(38.Volume XVI Issue V Version ID D D D ) K(Medical ResearchGlobal Journal of 3*Others like catholic, Adventists ?Others like Tigre, wolyita, silti 4's educational and occupational statusamong (N=660)© 2016 Global Journals Inc. (US) RH issuesAlwaysWeekly Some timesContraceptive56(8.5)58(8.8)124(18.8)HIV/AIDS87(13.2)68(10.3)187(28.3)Sexual46(7)59(8.9)116(17.6)intercourseUnwanted70(10.6)51(7.7)117(17.7)pregnancyPremarital sex68(10.3)52(7.9)91(13.8)condom46(7)82(12.4)91(13.8)Puberty54(8.2)39(5.9)160(24.2) 4In bracket is percentMultiple responses are possibleNB. Total numbers of students who communicate their parents in grade 9-10 are 311.Total numbers of students who communicate their parents in grade11-12 are 79. 5In bracket is percentMultiple responses are possibleNB total numbers of literate mothers are 208.Total numbers of illiterate mothers are 40.© 2016 Global Journals Inc. (US) 6 7SRH issuesFathers educational statusFrequency of parent-adolescentcommunicationAlwaysWeeklySome timesContraceptiveIlliterate5(27.8)7(38.9)6(33.3)Literate50(40.3)45(36.3)99(79.8)HIV/AIDSIlliterate10(55.6)2(11.1)12(66.7)Literate70(56.5)58(46.8)120(96.8)Sexual intercourseIlliterate2(11.1)2(11.1)8(44.4)Literate39(31.5)54(43.5)94(75.8)Unwanted pregnancyIlliterate7(38.9)3(16.7)9(50)Literate61(49.2)42(33.9)96(77.4)Do not having sex until marriageIlliterate7(38.9)3(16.7)4(22.2)Literate59(47.6)45(36.3)81(65.3)CondomIlliterate2(11.1)12(66.7)7(38.9)Literate40(32.3)63(50.8)74(59.7)PubertyIlliterate2(11.1)5(27.8)16(88.9)Literate49(39.5)30(24.2)100(80.6)variableCommunications on SRH issues95% CIyesnoCORAORThose who sometimes discuss on contraceptive8836yes3022341.894(1.240-2.893)1.323(0.828-2.114)Those who always discuss on HIV/AIDS6027yes3302431.636(1.009-2.654)1.581(0.925-2.703)Those who sometime discuss on HIV/AIDS14047yes2502232.657(1.823-3.872) *2.296(1.500-3.514) **Those who weekly discuss on unwanted pregnancy3813yes3522572.134(1.114-4.088)1.886(0.950-3.744)Those who sometimes discuss on unwanted pregnancy8334yes3072361.877(1.216-2.895)1.121(0.661-1.900)Those who always discuss on having not premarital until marriage4820yes3422501.754(1.016-3.030)1.628(0.883-2.999)Those who sometimes discuss on having not premarital until marriage6427yes3262431.767(1.094-2.854)1.113(0.628-1.974)Those who always discuss on condom3214yes3582561.634(0.855-3.125)1.194(0.577-2.473)Those who sometimes discuss on condom6031yes3302391.402(0.881-2.230)1.053(0.617-1.797)Those who always discuss on Puberty4014yes3502562.090(1.113-3.922)1.429(0.691-2.956)Those who weekly discuss on Puberty2712yes3632581.599(0.795-3.215)1.478(0.701-3.116)Those who sometimes discuss on Puberty10852yes2822181.606(1.103-2.336)1.325(0.851-2.061)Chat16665yes2242050.428(0.303-0.603) *1.379(1.175-2.574) **alcohol14759yes2432112.163(1.519-3.082) *1.496(1.003-2.232) ** © 2016 Global Journals Inc. (US) Repetition of Parent-Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters in High School Students in Yirgalem Town, South Ethiopia ## VII. Acknowledgement The authors' like to acknowledge Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Health for giving me this opportunity. The authors' would like to say thank you to the data collectors who participated in the data collection process. The authors' also would like to say thank you to all high school directors in Yirgalem Town. ## Competing interests All authors declare that they have no competing of interests. Abbreviation AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome AOR: adjusted odds ratio HIV: human immune deficiency viruses USA: United State of America Funding and sponsorship This paper was funding or sponsoring by Hawassa University. * situational analysis of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and HIV in Caribbean CarolineAllen 2013. 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