Title: Factors associated with contraception among high school adolescents in Nakuru district, Kenya.

POPLINE Document Number: 075698

Author(s):

Kiragu K

Source citation:

[Unpublished] 1992. Presented at the First Inter-African Conference on Adolescents, Nairobi, Kenya, March 24-27, 1992. 15, [22] p.

Abstract:

Determinants of contraceptive use were identified from a survey of 2059 secondary school students in Nakuru District, Kenya, in 1989. Sexual activity was found to be prevalent among 69% of males and 27% of females. This finding was consistent with other reports even though male exaggeration and female concealment is suspected. Contraception use was low, e.g., 10% of regular use among the sexually active. There are many barriers to contraceptive use. These barriers include securing the money to pay for the contraception, raising the issue of contraception with a perhaps suspicious partner, overcoming fears of side effects,maintaining confidentiality, and bargaining with a health system that is not sympathetic to adolescent reproductive health needs. Fewer than 50% have ever used contraception; 70% reported unprotected first intercourse and last coitus. At last coitus, 29% of males and 43% of females used the "safe period" method; however, of this group, only 17% of males and 46% of females knew when the "safe period" in the menstrual cycle occurred. Other methods used at last coitus were condoms (55% males, 43% females), and oral pills (6% males, 10% females). Birth control was obtained most frequently from clinics and then from friends. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that female contraceptive use at first and last sex is associated with the highest socioeconomic (SES) group, favorable attitudes toward contraception, and high academic performance. These factors were unrelated to male use. At last use, twice as many men used contraceptives when there was partner approval. The female findings reflect the importance of education of women for economic success in Kenya. School girls are expelled if found to be pregnant, and there are social, financial, and psychological effects for both the women and their families. There is great incentive to use birth control. The implications are that the poor are at greater risk of pregnancy which consequently lowers their probability for upward mobility. Recommendations are to promote education which dispels myths and fears and teaches communication skills particularly to females, and to provide adolescent reproductive health services.

Keywords:

Kenya
Research Report
Adolescents
Adolescent Pregnancy
Contraceptive Usage Determinants
Socioeconomic Factors
Attitude
Surveys
Secondary Schools
School Age Population
Rhythm Method, Calendar
Condom
Oral Contraceptives
Knowledge
Partner Communication
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Contraceptive Usage
Contraception
Family Planning
Economic Factors
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Schools
Education
Family Planning, Behavioral Methods
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Interpersonal Relations