Mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation-related topics with their daughters using the theory of planned behavior.

Abstract

Introduction: there is a scarcity of research on mothers' intentions to engage in communication about menstruation-related topics with their daughters in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study, which was based on the theory of planned behavior, was to investigate the characteristics that are linked to mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation-related topics with their daughters.

Methods: between July 5-25, 2022, 390 mothers of adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 were selected as a sample and participated in the study.

Results: a regression analysis revealed a strong association between mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation with their daughters and all three theory of planned behavior (TPB) components-attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was the factor that was significantly linked to greater intentions to discuss menstruation, followed by the attitude that mothers have about menstrual communication.

Conclusion: these findings support the assumptions of the TPB as applied to mother-daughter menstrual health communication. These findings suggest that building self-efficacy and helping mothers feel responsible for educating their daughters about menstruation would be most important in attempting to increase mothers´ intentions to engage in mother-daughter communication on a wide variety of topics. Therefore, funding for parent-targeted programming should be allocated to increase parents' intentions to engage in mother-daughter communication. This programming should focus on helping mothers develop self-efficacy and a sense of responsibility for educating their daughters about multiple sexual and reproductive topics, including menstruation.