Relationship Between the Parent-Child Relationship and Sexual Attitudes Among Secondary School Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

The goal of every family is to see the successful transition of their children in all stages up to adulthood. However, the nature of attitudes adopted by children towards sexual behavior may affect how they transition through these stages as expected. Studies have shown that risky sexual activities have been on the rise despite various measures being put in place to address them. This may detrimentally affect their educational attainment, bring about early pregnancies, abortion, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections, which are factors attributed to risky sexual attitudes. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between parent-child relationships and sexual attitudes among public secondary school students in Nairobi City County, Kenya. This investigation implemented a correlational research design. The target population was 52,304, and a sample of 385 was drawn. Both the school administrators and teacher counsellors were selected purposively as they have information under study. This study sample size of 385 participants, was computed using the Cochran (1963) formula. Data was collected using standardized instruments. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques.  The data was analyzed using content analysis for the qualitative data (15 interview guides). Descriptive statistics were employed to depict the attributes of the gathered data. Correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between the research variables. Responses that align with numerical codes were assigned numerical values. Pie charts, bar graphs, and tables were all used to show the outcomes. The data was inspected and cleaned after it was collected to determine if any errors could be rectified. Results also showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between parent-child relationship and sexual attitudes among Nairobi City County secondary school students (β= 0.418, p=0.000). For connection and support, students who have strained relationships with their parents seek out romantic partnerships, which in turn offer the chance for an early sexual debut. When it comes to secondary sexual conduct, healthy relationships that are marked by a high degree of warmth and support may serve as a medium for parents to share their opinions or principles and assist young people in making decisions, which may have an impact on their engagement in risky behavior. The parents should also allow their children to discuss their fears and their concerns.