Parental influence on reproductive health behaviour of youths in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The study was carried out to document parental influence on the reproductive health behaviour of youths in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 274 youths from Idikan community was carried out. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, parental communication, parental monitoring and sexual practices of respondents were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 274 youths were interviewed, 111 (40.5%) were sexually active. The overall mean age at first sexual exposure was 15.2 +/- 3.0 yrs (males = 15.4 +/- 3.5 yrs, females 14.90 +/- 2.6 yrs). Fifty-two (19.0%) respondents used condom regularly. More out of school youths (42.2%) were more sexually active than those in school (38.7%) (chi2 = 0.32 p = 0.573). Youths (50.8%) with secondary school education used condom regularly than those with primary education 40.4% (p > 0.05). Mothers were more involved in family life education than fathers (40.9% vs. 16.8% p < 0.05) and family life education was found to promote condom use (p < 0.001). Predictors of regular condom use among the youths were comprehensive family life education by mothers (OR = 6.24, C.I = 2.47-15.75, p = 0.001), respondents' level of education (OR = 0.415, C.I = 0.211-0.814 p = 0.011) and occupation (OR = 0.48, C.I = 0.24-0.95 p = 0.034). While comprehensive family life education by mothers (OR = 2.11, C.I = 1.04-4.28, p = 0.038), female sex (OR = 2.2, C.I = 1.28-3.83 p = 0.005) and liberal monitoring pattern by mother (OR = 2.16, C.I = 1.03-4.53 p = 0.04) were predictors of increased sexual activity. Parents particularly mothers can promote safe sexual practices by giving information and education on reproductive health matters.