Maternal role in daughters' sexual health development in Khomas region: Namibia

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Date
2018
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
A continuum of prevention that provides information and support to very young adolescent girls throughout their lifecycles is central to their healthy sexual development. Crucial to this continuum is the family, especially the mothers. Hence, the study explored the role of mothers in their daughters ' sexual health development, specifically within the Khomas region, Namibia. In addressing this phenomenon, the study was carried out in four phases. Firstly, focusing on the needs assessment, secondly on programme development, thirdly and fourthly on programme implementation and programme evaluation respectively. The fmdings from the needs assessment showed that there was still a paucity of attention to this issue, by some mothers, for various reasons; such as not knowing what to say, or when and how to initiate discussions about sex with their daughters. This necessitated the design of an intervention programme for mothers. The overall outcome of the study showed that when mothers ' natural role as primary sexual health educators is supported through intervention programmes, it has the potential for improving mothers' beliefs, communication, knowledge and ability to engage in discussions about sex and sexrelated topics with their daughters in timely and meaningful ways, which indirectly impacts on their daughters ' ability to delay sexual activity.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Keywords
Sexual health
Citation