Addressing Perceptions to Increase Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents 15-19 Years in Nairobi, Kenya

Author: Joyce Kinaro, MA in Population Studies, MPH, PhD Candidate, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Topic: Addressing perceptions to increase contraceptive use among adolescents 15-19 years in Nairobi, Kenya

Context: As in other developing countries, contraceptive use among adolescents is low while teenage pregnancies in Kenya are high. Only one in ten adolescents are reported to use contraceptives in Kenya. Pregnancies early in life expose adolescents to health complications. Establishing perceptions that affect contraceptive use is important to help us develop appropriate programs and policies that will increase contraceptive use prevalence among adolescents.

Methods: To identify perceptions that influence contraceptive use, we conducted a household survey using a systematic random sampling in eight administrative divisions in Nairobi County. We conducted the survey in 2010 using 1999 population census enumeration areas. The study utilized information collected using structured interviews, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.

Results: Results of the study show that perception factors with significant effect on contraception among adolescents are parental approval, adolescent approval and sexual partner communication. Results of the narratives show that adolescents fear side effects and they associate infidelity with contraceptive use. Parents, teachers and service providers focus on discouraging contraceptive use among adolescents and this poses a challenge for policies and programs.

Conclusion: To address perception and barriers that affect contraceptive use, programs should develop strategies that enhance parent child communication on sexuality and reproductive health issues that integrate messages on contraception.  Policies should aim at reviewing and developing sexuality education curriculum with age specific messages and build teachers’ skills to enhance comprehensive information that includes pregnancy prevention. It is important to address service delivery systems and make health facilities youth friendly. There is need to educate adolescents on how contraceptives work and create awareness on where they can get contraceptive services more freely.