Background: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. Results: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=2.504, 95%CI ([1.063-5.896]). Parent-child dyad do not discuss sexual health matters was statistically significant at P<0.05, (OR=0.429, 95%CI [0.187-0.985]). Parent-child dyad engage in talks for adolescents’ positive social conduct was statistically significant at P<0.05, (OR=0.211, 95%CI [0.046-0.972]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication for adolescents’ appropriate nurturing was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=0.223, 95%CI [0.051-0.978]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication to share thoughts, feelings and ensure stable relations during adulthood among adolescents was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p<0.05, (OR=5.988, 95%CI [1.192-30.088]). Conclusion: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating.
Published in | Science Journal of Education (Volume 12, Issue 6) |
DOI | 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14 |
Page(s) | 141-156 |
Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Adolescents, Behaviours, Child, Communication, Contents, Dating, Frequency, Parent, Parent-Child Dyad, Predictors
[1] | Adam, A. R. (2017). Parent–Adolescent Sexual Communication and Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviors: A Conceptual Model and Systematic Review 2(4), 293-313. |
[2] | Amaliyah, S., & Nuqul, F. L. (2017). Eksplorasi persepsi ibu tentang pendidikan seks untuk anak. Psympathic J Ilm Psikol. 4, 157–166. |
[3] | Azie, A. R., Bagrmwin, L., Ndanu, A. T., & Aniteye, P. (2023). Sexual and reproductive health communication between parents and adolescents: the case of Wa West District of the Upper West Region, Ghana. HSI Journal 4(1), 457-464. |
[4] | Bavelas, J. B., & Segal, L. (1982). Family systems theory: Background and implications. Journal of Communication, 32, 99–107. |
[5] | Becvar, R. J., & Becvar, D. S. (2000). Family therapy a systemic integration. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. |
[6] | Bouchrika, I. (2024). What is systems theory? Social work theories in 2024. |
[7] | Bushaija, E., Sunday, F. X., Asingizwe, D., Olayo R., & Abong’o B. (2013). Factors that Hinder Parents from the Communicating of Sexual Matters with Adolescents in Rwanda. Journal / Rwanda Journal of Health Sciences. 2, 2. |
[8] | Bowen Center (2024). Learn about Bowen theory. |
[9] | Bowen, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson, New York. |
[10] | Cabral, J., & Pinto, T. M. (2023). Gender, Shame, and Social Support in LGBTQI+ Exposed to Discrimination: A Model for Understanding the Impact on Mental Health. Soc. Sci. 12, 454. |
[11] |
Citi News Room (2022). Ghana’s HIV Fact Sheet 2022: National HIV Prevalence and Estimates. Retrieved on 8/9/2024 from:
https://citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2022_HIV_Estimates_Fact_Sheetfinal.pdf |
[12] | Cochran, W. G. (1977). Sampling Techniques. (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, New York. |
[13] |
Davies, L. (2022). What is systems theory in social work?
https://resources.noodle.com/articles/social-work-systems-theory/ |
[14] | Edwards, L. L., Hunt. A., Cope-Barnes, D., Hensel, D. J., & Ott, M. A. (2018) Parent-child sexual communication among middle school youth. J Pediatr 199, 260–262. |
[15] |
Ghana News Agency (2020). The Assin South District leads adolescent pregnancies in the Central Region. Retrieved on 8/9/2024 from:
https://gna.org.gh/2020/08/assin-south-leads-adolescent-pregnancies-in-central-region/sociates |
[16] | Ghana Health Service (2015). Family Health Division: 2015 Annual Report. Ghana Health Service: Ghana: 1-125. |
[17] | Ghana Health Service (2016). Family Health Division: 2016 Annual Report. Ghana Health Service: Ghana: 1-78. |
[18] | Ghana Statistical Service (2012). 2010 Population and Housing Census: Summary Report of Final. Accra, Ghana: GSS. |
[19] | Griethuijsen, R. A. L. F., Eijck, M. W., Haste, H., Brok, P. J., Skinner, N. C., Mansour, N., et al. (2014). Global patterns in students’ views of science and interest in science. Research in Science Education, 45(4), 581–603. |
[20] | Grossman, J. M., Jenkins, L. J., & Richer, A. M (2018). Parents’ Perspectives on Family Sexuality Communication from Middle School to High School. Int J Environ Res Public Health 15(1), 107. |
[21] | Hurst, J. L., Widman, L., Maheux, A. J., Evans-Paulson, R., Brasileiro, J., & Lipsey, N. (2022). Parent–child communication and adolescent sexual decision making: An application of family communication patterns theory. J. Family Psychol. 36, 449–457. |
[22] | Jones, A. C. (2016). The role of sexual communication in committed relationships (Publication No. 10143735) [Master’s thesis, Utah State University]. ProQuest. |
[23] | Koenig, L. R., Li, M., Zimmerman, L. A., Kayembe, P., Lou, C., Mafuta, E., Ortiz, J., & Moreau. C. (2020) Associations between agency and sexual and reproductive health communication in early adolescence: A cross-cultural, cross-sectional study. J Adolesc Health 67: 416–424. |
[24] | Letshwenyo-Maruatona, S. B., & Gabaitiri, L. (2018). Botswana men's perspective on partner communication about sexual and reproductive health issues. J Commun Health 11, 151–161. |
[25] | Lezin, N., Rolleri, L., Bean, S., & Taylor, J. (2004). Parent-child connectedness: Implications for research, interventions and positive impacts on adolescent health. Santa Cruz, CA: ETR Associates. |
[26] | Lonne, B. (2016). Systems theory—Outline. HSSW410: University of New England, Armidale. |
[27] | Maimunah, S., & Wibisono, B. F. (2024), “The Interaction of Attitude, Intention, and Behavior During Sexual Communication” in International Conference of Applied Psychology, KnE Social Sciences, 327–339. |
[28] | Maina, B. W., Ushie, B. A. & Kabiru, C. W. (2020). Parent-child sexual and reproductive health communication among very young adolescents in Korogocho informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Reprod Health 17, 79. |
[29] | Manu, A. A., Mba, C. J., Asare, G. Q., Odoi-Agyarko, K., & Asante, R. K. O. (2015). Parent–child communication about sexual and reproductive health: evidence from the Brong Ahafo region, Ghana. J Reprod Health. (12). BioMed Central. |
[30] | Motsomi, K., Makanjee, C., Basera, T., & Nyasulu, P. (2016). Factors affecting effective communication about sexual and reproductive health issues between parents and adolescents in zandspruit informal settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa. Pan African Medical Journal. 25, 17. |
[31] | Nyarko, Adentwi, K. I. K., Asumeng, M., & Ahulu, L. D. (2014). Parental Attitude towards Sex Education at the Lower Primary in Ghana. International Journal of Elementary Education. 3(2), 21-29. |
[32] | Omair A. (2015). Selecting the appropriate study design for your research: Descriptive study designs. J Health Spec, 3, 153-6. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared. |
[33] | Padilla-Walker, L. M., Rogers, A. A., & McLean, R. D. (2020). Is there more than one way to talk about sex? A longitudinal growth mixture model of parent-adolescent sex communication. Journal of Adolescent Health, 1–8. |
[34] | Pariera, K. L., & Brody, E. (2017). “Talk more about it”: Emerging adults’ attitudes about how and when parents should talk about sex. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 15, 219–229. |
[35] | Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches, 3rd edn, SAGE, Great Britain. |
[36] | Segrin, C., & Flora, J. (2005). Family communication. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers. |
[37] | Vongsavanh, V., Lan, V. T. H., & Sychareun, V. (2020). Sexual and reproductive health communication between parents and high school adolescents in Vientiane Prefecture, Lao PDR. Global Health Action, 13(sup2). |
[38] | Wang, X., & Cheng, Z. (2020). Cross-Sectional Studies: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Recommendations. Chest, 158(1S), S65–S71. |
[39] | Widman, L., Choukas-Bradley, S., Noar, S. M., Nesi, J., & Garrett, K. (2015). Parent–adolescent sexual communication and adolescent safer sexual behavior: A meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 170, 52–61. |
[40] | Wilson, K. N., Jensen, J., Ballard, S., & Taylor, A. (2022). Tell me more: Parent–child sexual talk and young adult sexual communication satisfaction with romantic partners. Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, (16), 19–39. |
[41] | Pariera, K. L., & Brody, E. (2021). Encouraging Parental Sexual Communication with Teen Sons: A Social Norms Experiment. Health Communication, 38(7), 1395–1403. |
APA Style
Boakye, A. E. (2024). Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. Science Journal of Education, 12(6), 141-156. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14
ACS Style
Boakye, A. E. Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. Sci. J. Educ. 2024, 12(6), 141-156. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14
@article{10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14, author = {Anthony Edward Boakye}, title = {Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana }, journal = {Science Journal of Education}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {141-156}, doi = {10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14}, url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14}, eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjedu.20241206.14}, abstract = {Background: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. Results: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at pConclusion: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating. }, year = {2024} }
TY - JOUR T1 - Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana AU - Anthony Edward Boakye Y1 - 2024/11/29 PY - 2024 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14 DO - 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14 T2 - Science Journal of Education JF - Science Journal of Education JO - Science Journal of Education SP - 141 EP - 156 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2329-0897 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241206.14 AB - Background: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. Results: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at pConclusion: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating. VL - 12 IS - 6 ER -