Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Research has identified the important role that effective parent-adolescent communication about sex and relationships signifies in reducing the chances of adolescents engaging in risky sexual behaviour. However, many parents find it difficult to discuss issues related to HIV prevention at family level because HIV prevention is inherently linked to sex, which is still regarded as a taboo in some countries, including the country of the study, Swaziland. In addition to cultural barriers related to effective parent-adolescent communication, parents seem to lack the knowledge, approach as well as the confidence regarding communication about sex and relationships. \nThe purpose of the study was to use appreciative inquiry (AI) to engage parents of adolescents in the design of interventions to prevent HIV among adolescents in Swaziland. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select parents of adolescent children (10-19 years) attending school at the two purposively selected high schools in Manzini. Twenty-four (24), 23 female and 1 male parents took part in AI. \nParticipatory action research was conducted to involve participants actively in the process of initiating interventions for preventing HIV among adolescents. The process was guided by appreciative inquiry. Data was collected by means of appreciative interviews, comprising paired and focus group interviews according to different phases of the 4-D cycle of AI. Thematic analysis of data was done throughout the 4-D cycle of AI. \nThe themes that emerged from appreciative stories of exceptional experiences shared during the discovery phase were perceived gains and open communication. The findings of the dream phase included expressed wishes for open parent-adolescent sexual health communication, support for parents and a community of HIV free adolescents. In the design phase, parents constructed and initiated interventions for effective parent-adolescent sexual health communication and parental comfort with communication about sex. In the destiny phase, parents made statements, which were based on what they committed to do to prevent HIV among adolescents.
Author: Nomsa Magagula
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2997787858