Table 1 Sample questions in data collection guides

• What do you know about SRH?

• What do you know about sexual and reproductive health?

• Does this school offer sex education classes? (probe: to which classes; how often; what time; length of a session; are teachers given prior training)

• How do you access information (What sources of information do you use to find out) about SRH? (probe for most common; most trusted)

• What do you think about parents discussing SRH issues with their adolescent children? (probe: especially the young ones, 12–14 years)

• What topics are covered under this?

• What role do you think parents should play in adolescents’ SRH?

• Do you talk to your adolescent children about SRH issues? Why or why not? (probe to find out if they talk to only one sex or both, the age at which the talks begin and how often)

• What process is followed during these classes? (is it the teacher giving information; other staff; how do students participate)

• Do your parents ever talk to you about SRH issues? (probe: at what age; which parent; how often; who starts the conversation; comfort)

• [For those who discuss SRH issues with their adolescent children], what topics do you discuss with them? (probe to find out how easy/hard it is to discuss these topics; which topics they consider a priority)

• What methods do you use to encourage/ensure participation of parents in school activities? (probe: success of these methods)

• For those who discuss with their parents, what topics have you discussed with your parents? (probe to find out most common)

• How are these conversations held? (probe: who starts it-parent or child; where?)

• What is your opinion on parents discussing SRH issues with their adolescent children? (probe: especially the 12–14 years old)

• For those who do not discuss their parents about sexual and reproductive health, what could be the reasons for such?

• What challenges do you face in talking to your adolescent children about sex and reproductive health? (probe: challenges talking to children of different sex)

• What strategies do you think would be suitable to involve parents in discussing sexual and reproductive health issues with their children?

• What would wish to see or hear (content) from your parents about SRH discussions?

• What would make it easier for parents to discuss SRH issues with their children?

• Are there any other comments you wish to make or questions you wish to ask on the topic discussed?

• How are these messages passed on? (as warnings, threats, lectures, discussions, etc.)

• What do you think about schools providing SRH health information to your children?

• Do you get satisfied/more knowledgeable after these discussions? Why or why not?

• What information would you want them to receive at school? (probe: from who?)

• What are the challenges you face in discussing SRH issues?

• How can parents be encouraged to take part in school programmes on SRH issues?

• What benefits have you gained from discussing sexual and reproductive health with your parents?

• Are there any other comments you wish to make or questions you wish to ask on the topic discussed?

• What methods would you suggest to improve discussions on sexual and reproductive health with your parents?

• What information on sexual and reproductive health would you like to receive from your parents?

• Are there any other comments you wish to make or questions you wish to ask on the topic discussed?