Dissemination of Family Life Education to Adolescents by Their Parents in Suburban Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Family life education (FLE) is a process of imparting both factual knowledge about human development, sexual relationships, preparation for parenthood, pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases and also values, attitudes and perceptions that will enhance health self-concepts and relationships. Although experts agree that the home is the best place to begin FLE, parents themselves are sometimes reluctant as discussion of these topics may be embarrassing or even taboo between generations. Parents also express concern that they may not be knowledgeable enough to handle FLE. The inhibitions on FLE in the home may be exacerbated by urbanization that reduces traditional social support systems. With this background, the investigators looked at the nature and level of family life communication between parents and their adolescent children in homes in the suburban community of Apata in Ibadan, Nigeria. Of six FLE topics, the 253 families interviewed discussed only an average of three. Some parents did not feel competent and others felt that raising such issues might encourage undesirable behavior by the youth. Mothers were found to be the major initiators of FLE. A 12-point communication score was constructed based on potential FLE topics that could be discussed at home. The level of FLE communication was found to increase with parents' level of education. Greater time at home by parents was also associated with better scores. A positive perception of a parental role in FLE was reflected in higher scores. Strategies to increase parents' knowledge on FLE topics as well as their self-efficacy in providing FLE is suggested with special focus on the facilitating potential of schools and women's groups in the community.