ASSESSMENT OF PARENTS WILLINGNESS TO SUPPORT ADOLESCENT SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (ASRH) SERVICES IN IDO AND IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The strength of a nation depends on parental involvement during the period of adolescence. Parental responsibilities in raising adolescents, including setting rules regarding appropriate behaviors, are crucial for healthy development and well-being. One of the main sources of reproductive health related-information in Nigeria is parent-child communication which involves both verbal and non-verbal interactions between parents and children within the family system. This study assessed parents’ willingness to support adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) services in Ido and Ibadan North Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 270 respondents. In-depth interview, focus group discussions, and questionnaire was used to obtain primary data on socio-economic characteristics, knowledge on ASRH, types of ASRH services available, perceptions and willingness of parents to support ASRH services, Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Logistic Regression Model and Spearman Rho correlation. Result revealed that 55.2% of the respondents were female, 79.3% were married, with a mean age of 42 years, and household size of 3 persons. Results also revealed that 99.6% of respondents had a high knowledge of ASRH services, 61.1% had favourable perception of ASRH services, and 96.3% are willing to support ASRH services. Logistic Regression Model revealed a significant (p≤0.05) relationship between age (β = 0.101); marital status of parents (β = 1.021) and their willingness to support ASRH services. Spearman Rho revealed a significant (p≤0.05) relationship between knowledge of parents on ASRH services (r = 0.329) and their willingness to support ASRH services. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there was a significant (p≤0.05) relationship between the perception of parents on ASRH services (r = 0.333) and their willingness to support ASRH services. The study concluded that the positive knowledge base among parents and the broad awareness and acceptance of essential components of ASRH services facilitated parents’ willingness to support the services. The study recommended that partnerships with media outlets should be strengthened to ensure accurate and positive portrayals of ASRH services. Also, community engagement and targeted educational programmes that address misconceptions about ASRH services, and concerns such as moral values and potential negative consequences raised by the community should be organized to promote awareness and willingness.