Prevalence of and Factors Influencing Parent-Child Communication About HIV/AIDS, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues in Nigeria

This study investigated the prevalence of and factors that determine parent-child communication about HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in Nigeria. The study used data from the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS). The data are nationally representative and offers sociodemographic information on women aged 15 to 49 years and men aged 15 to 64 years. Prevalence of parent-child communication about HIV/AIDS, family planning, and contraception was generally low at 37.4%, 32.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. Determinants of discussions with children on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and contraception were respondents' zone, economic status, and educational attainment. Parents held more discussions with female children than with the males. Parents aged 50 to 64 years, compared with the younger parents, were double likely (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04; 1.52-2.73) to discuss HIV/AIDS with their wards older than 13 years. Male parents, parents living in urban areas, and parents with richer economic status had higher odds of discussing HIV/AIDS and SRH issues with their wards.