Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr Narjis Rizvi

Second Advisor

Dr Shafqat Rozi

Third Advisor

Dr Muslima Ejaz

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background:Sexuality education is a critical component of a child's upbringing, and parents play a pivotal role in imparting this knowledge. However, in many Asian cultures, including Pakistan, discussions about sexual matters with children often encounter reluctance due to the sensitive nature of the topic and parents' limited understanding of sexual health. This study sets out to estimate the mean knowledge and practices of Pakistani parents concerning the provision of sexuality education to their adolescents. By exploring the dynamics of how parents in Asian contexts approach this essential but delicate subject, this research seeks to identify and explore the influencing factors that shape parents' knowledge and practices. It aims to contribute valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in promoting effective sexuality education within families.
Methods This study utilized Explanatory Sequential mixed method design characterized by initial collection and analysis of quantitative data, followed by qualitative data gathering and analysis. In the first phase, a web-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 134 participants. Purposive sampling was employed to specifically target parents of adolescents aged 10-19 residing in Pakistan. Quantitative data was then analyzed using ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Subsequently, the qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with parents of adolescents from Karachi, who were purposively selected. Thematic analysis was carefully carried out on the qualitative data. Additionally, we triangulated the quantitative and qualitative findings to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Results: The total 134 parents of adolescents were surveyed and 8 in depth interviews were conducted. The study results demonstrate that 82% of Pakistani parents realized the importance of comprehensive sexuality education in preventing sexual abuse. 82.84% parents believed they should be the primary educators for sexuality education. However, 21.13% were imparting sexual education and 2.11% had knowledge about all the core concepts of pregnancy, puberty, and sexually transmitted diseases. Qualitative data mirrored these findings, parents had more awareness about pregnancy and very little about sexually transmitted infections including AIDS. Mothers were comparatively more informed about 6 their puberty compared to fathers. Primarily mothers discuss sexual health issues with daughters, and occasionally with sons. The quantitative ANOVA analysis revealed no statistically significant variance in the mean knowledge scores among parents of adolescents across different education levels (p = 0.5803). The definitive model highlighted the significance of Parental Status {β= -1.670; 95% CI= -2.54,-0.802}, Ethnicity{β= 1.961; 95% CI= 0.753,3.168}, and Residence{β= -0.7860; 95% CI= -1.844,0.272} in relation to knowledge, and Ability{β= 1.055; 95% CI= -0.459,2.57}, Motivation{β= 0.418; 95% CI= - 4.412,0.931}, and Reason{β= -2.624; 95% CI= -4.467,-0.782} regarding practices. Interactions between education status and motivation were evident at p-value of 0.1 for both models.
Conclusion The study reveals that most Pakistani parents recognize the importance of imparting sexual education to adolescents for preventing sexual abuse and acknowledge their role in imparting sexuality education. However, parents lack knowledge about core concepts of sexual health including pregnancy, puberty, and sexually transmitted diseases. As adolescents navigate this critical phase of development, it becomes imperative for parents to be well-informed about sexual health and proactive in imparting sexuality education. There is a dire need to empower parents to impart sexuality education through enhancing their knowledge about core concepts of sexual health and communication skills. Policymakers and educators should prioritize structured interventions and training for parents to bridge this knowledge-practice gap, ensuring a well-rounded and informed upbringing for the adolescents.

First Page

1

Last Page

110

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