RESUMO
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.
RESUMO
Background: Safe sex behaviors are important for protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. In 2020, about 37.7 million persons were HIV positive globally with nearly two-thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, 1.4 million people are HIV positive with a prevalence of 4.8%. This study assessed the level of knowledge towards safe sex practices for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Stratified and systematic random sampling techniques were utilized to choose 372 participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interview schedules respectively. Essential ethical and logistical clearances from appropriate authorities were requested and informed consent acquired. Quantitative data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and triangulation of qualitative findings as direct quotes. Inferential statistics were computed using chi-square tests. Results: 58.2% of administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County were not practicing safe sex. About 47.8% had moderate level of knowledge on safe sex practice which was significantly associated (p=0.036) with safe sex practice. Conclusions: About 4 out 10 police officers practiced safe sex. The level of knowledge on safe sex practice was moderate. These findings form a basis for improvement of HIV prevention among administration police officers. This may inform policy formulation and implementation by the National Police Service, Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders thus increase chances of practicing safe sex.