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Aluda, W, Njoroge, K and Mapesa, J (2025) Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Kajiado County, Kenya. Global Journal of Health Sciences, 10 (1). pp. 1-13. ISSN 2519-0210
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Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Kajiado County, Kenya.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (412kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) is a global concern, with over 1.2 billion adolescents at risk due to limited access to essential health services. In Kenya, high rates of unintended pregnancies and STIs among adolescents highlight the need for effective sexual health education. In Kajiado County, cultural barriers limit ASRH service access, leaving many girls unaware of available resources. Methodology: A mixed-method design examined the impact of referral systems on ASRH service utilization among adolescent girls in Kajiado County. Quantitative data were collected from 422 girls through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data came from FGDs, IDIs and KIIs. Quantitative analysis used SPSS version 26 and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings: While 78% of participants showed general SRH awareness, only 45% were knowledgeable about contraception and 38% about STIs. Unintended pregnancies were common (65%), with just 30% aware of preventive options. Peer influence (60%) and schools (50%) were primary information sources; however, stigma (55%) and inadequate outreach (62%) were significant barriers to access. Statistical analysis confirmed these barriers were associated with lower SRH knowledge levels (Fisher's exact test: < 0.05). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Despite increasing SRH awareness among adolescent girls in Kajiado County, significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly in contraceptive use and STI prevention. Recommendations include educational initiatives on SRH, greater parental involvement and enhanced outreach programs. Future research should explore community-based and digital strategies to improve SRH knowledge and service use among rural adolescents.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 3213 Paediatrics; 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences; Behavioral and Social Science; Infectious Diseases; Prevention; Adolescent Sexual Activity; Health Services; Pediatric; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Clinical Research; Teenage Pregnancy; Contraception/Reproduction; Women's Health; Reproductive health and childbirth; 3 Good Health and Well Being |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics |
| Divisions: | Public and Allied Health |
| Publisher: | IPR Journals and Books (International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books) |
| SWORD Depositor: | A Symplectic |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Feb 2025 17:11 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Feb 2025 17:11 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.47604/gjhs.3151 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25636 |
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