Factors Influencing Parental Care Knowledge on Adolescent Sexual Practices in Moshi District Council in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed factors influencing parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices in Moshi District Council in Kilimanjaro Region. Specifically, the study examined the socio demographic factors that influence parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices, the impact of access to resources on parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices, and determined cultural barriers to effective parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices. The survey method was used to collect data from 248 sampled household heads using a simple random sampling technique from Kibosho east and westwards of Moshi District Council in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Self-administered survey questionnaires and interviews were used as methods for data collection. Multiple regression models and content analysis were used to analyse data. The estimated coefficient on religious affiliation, Family structure, Gender of Parents, and Parental age are (β=-0.2, p=0.034, β=-0.155, p=0.021, β=- 0.155, p=0.588, and β= -0.038, p= 0.591 respectively. The study found that religious affiliation and family structure are influential factors in shaping parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices. In contrast, parental age and gender were limited in determining parental care knowledge. Focus on information access might not be the sole driver of parental care knowledge regarding adolescent sexual practices. Communication taboos, stemming from cultural norms, impede open discussions, exacerbated by a fear of judgment, hindering parents from addressing adolescent sexual practices openly. The study concluded that religious affiliation and family structure significantly influence parental care knowledge on adolescent sexual practices. Stronger religious ties are linked to distinct attitudes or lower knowledge levels, while family structure shapes parental care differently. Parental age and gender were found to be insignificant factors. Although access to information did not show a significant impact, service availability emerged as critical. Therefore, the study recommends that LGAs, NGOs, community leaders, and healthcare professionals are urged to collaborate on culturally tailored educational programs, incorporating traditional values while addressing communication taboos. Schools, educational policymakers, community leaders, and NGOs are encouraged to champion educational reforms to bridge the generational gap, integrating modern experiences into the curriculum. Religious leaders, community leaders, NGOs, and influential people are essential for fostering workshops and seminars to align essential information with moral values.