Kathleen J. Sikkema

Publications [#253936] of Kathleen J. Sikkema

Journal Articles

  1. Coetzee, J; Dietrich, J; Otwombe, K; Nkala, B; Khunwane, M; van der Watt, M; Sikkema, KJ; Gray, GE, Predictors of parent-adolescent communication in post-apartheid South Africa: a protective factor in adolescent sexual and reproductive health., Journal of Adolescence, vol. 37 no. 3 (April, 2014), pp. 313-324, ISSN 0140-1971 [doi]
    (last updated on 2021/12/08)

    Abstract:
    In the HIV context, risky sexual behaviours can be reduced through effective parent-adolescent communication. This study used the Parent Adolescent Communication Scale to determine parent-adolescent communication by ethnicity and identify predictors of high parent-adolescent communication amongst South African adolescents post-apartheid. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey was administered to 822 adolescents from Johannesburg, South Africa. Backward stepwise multivariate regressions were performed. The sample was predominantly Black African (62%, n = 506) and female (57%, n = 469). Of the participants, 57% (n = 471) reported high parent-adolescent communication. Multivariate regression showed that gender was a significant predictor of high parent-adolescent communication (Black African OR:1.47, CI: 1.0-2.17, Indian OR: 2.67, CI: 1.05-6.77, White OR: 2.96, CI: 1.21-7.18). Female-headed households were predictors of high parent-adolescent communication amongst Black Africans (OR:1.49, CI: 1.01-2.20), but of low parent-adolescent communication amongst Whites (OR:0.36, CI: 0.15-0.89). Overall levels of parent-adolescent communication in South Africa are low. HIV prevention programmes for South African adolescents should include information and skills regarding effective parent-adolescent communication.

    Keywords:
    Adolescence • Ethnicity • Parent–adolescent communication • Post-apartheid South Africa • Survey