PREPAREPromoting Parent-Child Communication on Selected Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues Among Young Secondary School Adolescents in Kampala and Wakiso Districts

Various studies and reviews conducted mainly in developed countries have demonstrated that parent-child communication complimented by school based comprehensive sex education programs aimed at delay in sexual debut and promotion of safer sex practices work. However, there is limited information about such studies in developing countries like Uganda. The Randomized Controlled Trial targeted 2 populations; students admitted to S1 in 2012 and their parents. Specifically the Randomized Controlled Trial aimed to (i) increase proportion of students with intentions to delay sexual debut (ii) increase knowledge and influence attitudes of adolescents about condoms (iii) increase the frequency of parent-child communication (iv) improve the quality of parent-child communication through structured homework. The Randomized Controlled Trial comprised 3 components: the classroom-based component; the parent component and the homework assignment component. Sexual and reproductive health topics were integrated in 8 English and 8 Christian Religious education double lessons lasting 90 minutes. For each lesson there was a corresponding homework that a student was expected to complete with their parent/guardian. Teachers were re-trained in pedagogical skills in preparation for implementation of the intervention. At the same time, parents were trained in communication skills and assisted to improve their parenting skills in 3 one-day workshops. The 11 schools randomized to comparison schools will have delayed intervention. A pre- and post-intervention survey was conducted for both students using a standardized questionnaire to assess changes in parent-child communication as well as knowledge, attitudes and intentions to delay sexual debut. A simultaneous pre-and post intervention survey using a standardized questionnaire was also conducted among parents of students participating in the intervention to assess change in communication with their children and parenting practices. For every component, quantitative and qualitative data was collected to evaluate the processes of delivering the evaluation. Statistical analysis will be carried out using appropriate statistical software. Frequencies and means when appropriate will be calculated for each variable and for summary scale at baseline and post-intervention measurements. Inter-item correlation coefficients for each scale will be assessed using Cronbach's alpha. T-test for mean differences, kappa statistics and McNemar test for non-independent samples will be used to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes and intentions between baseline and post-intervention. Content analysis will be done for homework. The results from this intervention will contribute to Millennium Development Goals 2, 4, 6 and 6, which aims to combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases, maternal and child deaths and by focusing on education and involving school teachers, the study will also contribute towards the quality aspects universal primary education.