ABSTRACT
Background: Modern contraceptive is pivotal for reproductive health, averting unplanned pregnancies, lowering maternal mortality, and enhancing women's well-being. Despite global strides, challenges still persist in adoption of modern family planning methods in regions, like Turkana County, Kenya with a 30.7% adoption rate marking high unmet contraception needs. This study delved into determining social-cultural factors impacting uptake of modern contraceptive in the remote area of Turkana, Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. The 360 participants were sampled from households using systematic random sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Data analysis included frequencies, proportions and Chi-square tests to unveil vital variable correlations. Data was presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. Results: The study revealed higher utilization of modern contraceptives at 53%. Cultural factors associated with Modern contraceptive uptake included religion acceptance of family planning (?2=6.997, p=0.008), myths and misconceptions (?2=31.096, p=0.000), gender preference (?2=28.876, p=0.000), cultural perception of child quantity (?2=26.373, p=0.000), decision maker for family planning (?2=19.745, p=0.000) and discussion with partner (?2=55.063, p=0.000). Conclusions: In Turkana County, Kenya, socio-cultural factors seem to significantly shape modern contraceptive choices among women of reproductive age. Religious beliefs, misconceptions, and gender preferences influence decisions. Cultural norms impact family size views, and autonomy prevails. Tailored interventions addressing these issues are crucial for better reproductive health outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Late diagnosis of breast cancer lowers survival rates in resource-poor nations like Kenya. Due to a lack of screening programs, breast cancer awareness, and modern cancer treatment treatments. Rural areas, where most poor people live, are worse. The study examined breast cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice among Homa Bay County women. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 340 samples from two sub counties chosen for their rural nature. 170 women were randomly selected from from each sub county. Questionnaires collected data. Four significant informants were interviewed. Only descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. Results: The results showed lower level of breast cancer screening of 9.7%. Average knowledge was 44.39%. The average score in attitude was 1.7 showing a positive attitude towards breast cancer. The mean age of the participants was 44.30�.32 in Ndhiwa and 45.16�.35 in Kasipul. The general knowledge for breast cancer screening was considerably poor. Majority scored below 60% was considered low. In in terms of attitude, women had a positive attitude towards breast cancer screening and thought these was contradicted by key informant who said most had negative attitude. In terms of practice toward breast cancer screening services, only a paltry 9.7 % had gone for screening. Conclusions: Clinical breast examination was preferred over mammography. This study will educate Kenyan public health implementers on ways to improve screening for rural women. Education on early screening towards breast cancer can help in improving breast cancer screening uptake. Breast cancer awareness was considerably lower. Health policymakers can use this findings to improve on cancer management.