Socio-Cultural Barriers Influencing Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Information and Services among Adolescents and Youth 10 - 24 Years in Pastoral Communities in Kenya
Background:As in other developing countries, sexual and
reproductive ill-health continues to mostly affect adolescents and youths.
Samburu and Turkana counties in Kenya have some of the highest levels of total
fertility rates (TFR) at 6.3 and 6.9 respectively placing them well above the
national TFR of 3.9. Establishing factors that influence utilization of SRH
services among adolescent and youth aged 10 - 24
years is critical in developing an effective program. Method: We used
primary data from qualitative and purposeful study design. Data collection used
Focus group discussions (FGD), In-depth interviews (IDIs) and Key informant
interviews (IDIs). The target groups were adolescents and youth aged 10 - 24
years, health care providers, community health volunteers (CHVs), chemist
assistants, parents of adolescents and youth, teachers, spiritual leaders and
traditional activists. Findings and Conclusion: Socio-cultural
factors were found to influence utilization of SRH services and information.
Early marriage, being youth, male only decisions on sexuality matters and fear
of family contribute to unprotected sex while myths and misconceptions on
contraceptives affected utilization. The findings revealed that youth needs to know sources, how contraceptives work and how to
use them. The findings suggest capacity building of health care providers,
CHVs, teachers, parents and community leaders on adolescence, sexuality needs
of adolescents and disadvantages of female genital mutilation (FGM) including
early marriage.
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