Determinants of parental communication practices to prevent child sexual abuse: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Background Enhancing parent–child communication is a key strategy for preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) by addressing potential risks before they occur. To educate children effectively about CSA prevention, parents must possess strong communication skills. Understanding parental demographic characteristics and knowledge related to communication practices is essential for successful prevention efforts. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine how demographic factors and knowledge influence parents’ communication practices in preventing CSA. Methods A total of 207 parents from elementary schools in Bandung and Sumedang Regencies, West Java, Indonesia, participated in this study, which was conducted between March and December 2024. Participants were selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms developed by the research team. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, CSA-related knowledge, and communication practices. Univariate analysis (percentages) was used to describe participant characteristics, knowledge, and communication practices. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic and knowledge variables and communication practices. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify key predictors of communication practices. Results Most respondents were of Sundanese ethnicity (91.3%) and demonstrated poor knowledge (70%) and poor communication practices (51.7%) regarding CSA prevention. Knowledge (p = 0.021) and ethnicity (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with communication practices. Multivariate analysis revealed that both knowledge (OR: 2.073; 95% CI: 1.114–3.860) and ethnicity (OR: 2.122; 95% CI: 1.006–4.478) were significant predictors of communication practices. Other factors, including age, gender, occupation, education, marital status, income, access to CSA prevention information, number of family members, living arrangements with children, and caregiving roles, were not significantly associated with communication practices. Conclusions Parental knowledge and ethnicity have a significant effect on CSA prevention communication; nonetheless, many engaged parents lack the requisite skills. This emphasizes the importance of culturally specific, knowledge-driven interventions, as well as additional studies on sociocultural determinants and long-term program efficacy. Reporting guidelines: This study followed the STROBE reporting guidelines.