Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health issues in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Adolescent-parent sexual communication is an effective strategy to make healthy decisions, delay and protect from risky behavior. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize and estimate the level of adolescent- parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in Ethiopia. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were systematically searched using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and gray literature. Information was extracted using a standardized form of JBI. Data were analyzed using the 'meta' packages of the Stata software (version 11.0). I-squared statistic was applied to check the heterogeneity of studies. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. P-value <0.05 on the Egger test was considered indicative of statistically significant publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 359 articles were identified, of which 19 were eligible for meta-analysis. Adolescent-parent communications on SRH issues were significantly reported within the range of 25.3% to 36.9% and more preferred to discuss with their friends. The overall pooled level of adolescent parent communication was 40.70 (95%CI: 34.26-47.15). Adolescents who lived in urban areas, having good knowledge of SRH issues, adolescents who agreed on the importance of discussion and adolescents who ever had sexual intercourse were more likely to discuss SRH issues with their parents. CONCLUSION: The overall pooled level of adolescent-parent communication was 40.70%, and also adolescent-parent communications were dominantly reported with the ranges of 25.3% to 36.9%. Being urban dweller, being knowledgeable, and being agreed on the importance of discussion were significantly associated with adolescent-parent communication. Cultural taboo, shame and lack of communication skills were reasons that hindered communication between parents and adolescents. Therefore, program implementers should work to increase adolescent-parent communication.