Predictors of parent–adolescent communication in post-apartheid South Africa: A protective factor in adolescent sexual and reproductive health

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.