Mother-Daughter Communication About Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rural Areas of Alexandria, Egypt

This 2-page working paper presents key findings from a study conducted in Egypt in the spring of 2011 on the frequency and quality of communication about sexual reproductive health (SRH) issues between mothers and adolescent daughters. The findings suggest that communication between mothers and daughters and knowledge about these sensitive topics is poor; however, both mothers and daughters are eager for more information on SRH matters. This study is part of a series of studies on the same topic sponsored by the Population Council and conducted in several countries using similar research methodologies.

The study showed that many girls faced adolescence without any information or formal education on puberty or SRH. The content and quality of their communication with their mothers about these subjects was found to be poor, contributing to the girls’ lack of understanding. During focus group discussions, the girls agreed that they had insufficient knowledge regarding many aspects of SRH. The majority of girls preferred to have their mothers be the most important source of information about SRH. Mothers and daughters claimed to be equally comfortable talking with each other, but despite this, many mothers and daughters had not discussed puberty and menstruation, and many girls had experienced the onset of menstruation without any previous background on the event.

These and other findings suggest that a gap exists between the information the daughters need and what they actually received from their mothers. Even mothers and daughters who considered their relationships close and their communications good admitted that there were many taboo subjects that they could never discuss together. These topics included marriage, sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. Further, it was clear from the focus group discussions that both mothers and daughters had misinformation and many misconceptions about SRH topics. This suggests that sources of accurate information about SRH for adolescent girls must come from outside the home, strengthening the argument for quality SRH education programmes in both formal and non-formal education programmes.

The mothers and daughters identified barriers to initiating communication. Many mothers stated that they should only initiate discussions about SRH topics with their daughters on certain occasions, such as a life change or an event, or when girls seek certain information or ask for advice. Daughters’ reported that they were reluctant to ask their mothers for this type of information because of embarrassment; fear of judgment; and perceived lack of their mother's interest or willingness, time, and trust. A significant factor that prevented many girls from initiating such a discussion was fear that their mothers would be suspicious of them and question their morals and behaviour.

Both mothers and daughters mentioned television programmes as an entry point for communication. Sensitive topics could be broached by discussing them in regard to a television plot line rather than in relation to personal needs or desires for information. This suggests an opportunity for researchers and health experts to work with media to ensure that when these topics are included as storylines, factual information is portrayed to avoid perpetuating misinformation.

The paper concludes that despite the many communication barriers that emerged, the study findings demonstrate that both mothers and daughters were willing to talk and listen to each other. Addressing the lack of information, misconceptions, and the barriers to effective communication with their mothers can lead to improved knowledge for adolescent girls. With greater knowledge about SRH issues and a feeling of support from within the family, girls will be better able to face puberty and adolescence in healthy and empowered ways.