Abstract

Background: Lack of connectedness between adolescents and their parents has been found to affect adolescent development and decision-making negatively. This study investigates the specific elements of parentchild connectedness (PCC) that influence closeness in a relationship using Assin South District as a case study.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 354 respondents which comprised parents aged 30-59 years and older adolescents aged 15-19 years. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression.

Results:The study revealed that, a climate of trust, communication, structure of home and time shared constitute important elements of PCC that support closeness in a relationship. It was also emerged in the study that parents’ own awareness on sex education was the main predictor for sexuality communication with adolescents. The study discovered that some of the adolescents had ever had a date and also practised risky sexual behaviour.

Conclusion: Based on this, the study recommends that parents provide adolescents with the requisite information aimed at reducing any harmful consequences of behaviour when occurs to the adolescents. Also,parents in the Assin South district should endeavour to encourage their children to talk openly with them (parents) about their ideas, needs, and worries for redress.