Effect of Cultural Norms on Teenage Pregnancy in Kilifi County- Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t30154Abstract
This study sought to determine the impact of social-cultural norms on the rise in teen pregnancy in Kilifi County. According to hospital records, Kilifi County has a high rate of female births. The study used a cross-sectional survey design based on the Psychosocial Theory of Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory. In Kilifi County, the target population consisted of 700 pregnant teenage mothers, 500 household heads, 300 nurses (midwives), and 70 sub-county children officers. A sample of 70 pregnant teenage mothers, 50 household heads, 30 nurses (midwives), and seven sub-county child welfare officers. The study employed questionnaires and interview schedules. Quantitative data was evaluated using descriptive statistical tools such as mean, percentage, and frequency. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 70 pregnant teenage mothers, 50 household heads, and 30 midwives. Data from 7 child welfare officers was gathered using interview schedules. Tables, graphs, and charts were used to present the information. A thematic analysis was used to organize and compile qualitative data. For ethical considerations, authority was sought from Kenyatta University's graduate school, a permit was obtained from NACOSTI and the ethics committee, and information collected was kept confidential and anonymous. According to the findings, social-cultural norms, poverty, a lack of sex education, inactive child protection policies, and parental marital status (divorce) all had a significant impact on teenage pregnancy in Kilifi. The findings indicate that there is a high rate of teen pregnancy in the area. Empowering low-income families, conducting sex education, and demonstrating the consequences of negative social and cultural norms and practices are recommended.
Keywords: Cultural Norms, Teenage, Pregnancy, Kilifi County, Kenya
References
AFIDEP and Norad. 2015. “Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Kajiado County.” Nairobi, Kenya. https://www.afidep.org/download/Afidep_ASRH-Kajiado-County-Final.pdf.
Ashcraft, A., Fernández‐Val, I., & Lang, K. (2013). The consequences of teenage childbearing: Consistent estimates when abortion makes miscarriage non‐random. The Economic Journal, 123(571), 875-905.
Beguy, D., Mumah, J., & Gottschalk, L. (2014). Unintended pregnancies among young women living in urban slums: evidence from a prospective study in Nairobi, Kenya. PloS one, 9(7), e101034.
Goodman, R. (2019). Understanding culture: A guide to cultural influences in society. Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(3), 45-62.
Gwido, V & Alemu, F.M (2015). Factors contributing to the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Lindi Municipality, Tanzania.
KNBS. IFC Macro. 2014. “Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014.” Nairobi, Kenya. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/fr308/fr308.pdf.
Manu, K. (2015). Parental involvement in sex education: Who informs the children? Kenyan Journal of Family and Sexual Health, 6(1), 15-30.
Meneses, F. (2016). Parental communication and sexuality in Hispanic families in the United States. Journal of Family Studies, 10(4), 23-38.
Mugenda, O., & Mugenda, A. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and Qualitative methods.
Nguyen, P. H., Scott, S., Neupane, S., Tran, L. M., & Menon, P. (2019). Social, biological, and programmatic factors are linking adolescent pregnancy and early childhood undernutrition: a path analysis of India's 2016 National Family and Health Survey. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 3(7), 463–473.
Odimegwu, C., & Mkwananzi, S. (2016). Factors associated with teen pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: a multicountry cross-sectional study. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 20(3), 94- 107.
Oduor, K. O., & Kithuka, B. (2020). Factors Associated with High Pregnancy Rate Among Teenagers Aged 13-19 Years in Nyatike Sub-County, Kenya. East African Journal of Health and Science, 2(1), 38-5.
Onyango, J. (2017). The impact of cultural factors on teenage pregnancies in Kenya. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 21(1), 70-84.
Souza, P. (2016). Sexual education and societal norms in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Education and Development, 8(2), 101-115.
