Factors Affecting Communication between Parents and Children about Sexual and Reproductive Health Education in Bolikhaxay Province, Lao PDR
- Author:
Chandavieng Phimmavong
1
;
Viengnakhone Vongxay
1
;
Souksamone Thongmixay
1
;
Phouthong Phommavongsa
1
;
Vanphanom Sychareun
1
Author Information
- Collective Name:LMJ
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Parent-child communication, Sexual and reproductive health, Adolescent health
- From:Lao Medical Journal 2025;16(16):100-106
- CountryLao People's Democratic Republic
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: :Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remains a major public health concern. Effective parent-child sexual and reproductive health communication (PCSC) has been shown to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and to delay the onset of adolescent marriage and pregnancy
Objectives: :This study aimed to explore the perceptions, attitudes and practices related to PCSC among parents and adolescents in Bolikhaxay province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Methodology: :A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted involving 496 participants, comprising adolescents aged 15–19 years and their parents, from two randomly selected urban and peri-urban communities in Bolikhamxay province, Lao PDR. Socioeconomic data were collected, and structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to assess engagement in, understanding of, and attitudes towards PCSC. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with engagement in PCSC.
Results: :Only 32.9% of parents reported engaging in PCSC in two or more SRH topics at least twice within the six-month study period. Factors significantly associated with increased PCSC included higher monthly household income (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33- 0.76), a positive parental attitude toward SRH communication (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.80- 4.18), and greater parental self-efficacy regarding SRH communication (AOR = 5.06; 95% CI: 3.31,-7.74).
Conclusion: :Engagement in PCSC was suboptimal among families in Bolikhamxay province. Parental self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward SRH communication were positively associated with increased engagement, while lower household income was inversely associated. Targeted interventions to enhance parental SRH knowledge and communication confidence are warranted. Community based campaigns and digital platforms may serve as effective tools to promote open and informed SRH discussions among parents, teachers, local authorities, health professionals, and adolescents. - Full text:2026030415190541020ບົດທີ 11. JR_Chandavieng Phimmavong_Manuscript_(Format LMJ_16).pdf
