| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth insight on communication of sexual matters to
upper primary school pupils. This was done by exploring the perceptions of a sample of
adolescents aged 12-15 years and their parents, teachers and key informants, on communication
of sexual matters in Muguga educational zone of Kiambu County, Central Kenya.
The study was guided by the following question: What are the perceptions of parents, teachers
and upper primary school pupils of Muguga educational zone on communication of sexual
matters to pupils? What sexuality information is communicated to pupils of upper primary
schools in Muguga educational Zone in Kiambu County? And what the differences are in
communicating sex matters to boys and girls in upper primary schools in Muguga educational
zone?
This qualitative study, guided by a communication model generated data through semi
structured, and unstructured interviews. The study participants were purposively sampled. The
interviews were audio-taped and notes taken simultaneously. Data were analyzed using the
framework analysis approach. This involved identifying a thematic framework, indexing,
charting, mapping and interpreting the findings. Participant's verbal consent was obtained before
each interview.
The findings of this study indicate that parents, teachers and key informants in the education
sector as well as pupils of upper primary schools appreciated the idea of communication of
sexual matters and needed the communication to be initiated at the onset of puberty or when a
child is thought to be getting sexually active. However, initiating discussions on sexuality is
challenging to all parties concerned. The study further revealed that the involvement of all actors
in the education sector is more or less limited to giving warnings with an aim of instilling fear
into the young adults on the dangers and risks of irresponsible sexual behaviours. This aims at
promoting abstinence and chastity among the young adults. There is however little or no adultchild
discussion and no clear explanation of what the adolescents are expected to do. Some
parents as well as teachers revert to beating their children as a strategy of ensuring that they
adhere to the norms. Basing on the fact that the adult-pupil communication on sexual matters is
basically a one way process, it is possible that adults are not responsive to the pupil's sexual
changes and needs.
The findings provide insight on communication of sexual matters, which might contribute to
informing the development process of promotion of moral interventions that may address
adolescent morality in Kenyan youth. Basing on these findings, it is obvious that parents,
teachers and other actors in the education sector need support to enhance their competence and
skills to improve their communication on sexual matters to young adults. One way of fostering
this change is to influence their attitude and practice towards having more dialogue on sexuality
related issues with the adolescent children. | en_US |
