HEALTH INFORMATION, BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AND TEENAGE PREGNANCIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A STUDY OF NAIROBI COUNTY

ABSTRACT
This study sought to investigate how reproductive health information influences behaviour change among school going young people towards addressing the high rates of teenage pregnancies in secondary schools. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication in addressing teenage pregnancies in secondary schools in Nairobi County through reproductive health information and education. The specific objectives of this study were to; explore the delivery of reproductive health information and education in secondary schools in Nairobi County; assess the contribution of reproductive health information and education in addressing teenage pregnancies in Nairobi County and to find out the issues affecting uptake and utilisation of reproductive health information and education in secondary schools in Nairobi County. This study used the Theory of social change and the Health Belief Model as the underpinning theoretical constructs. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. The study population was young people aged 15-19 years. Simple random sampling method was used to select 66 respondents from 4 schools in Nairobi County to fill out questionnaires and participate in Focus Group Discussions. Questionnaires, in-depth key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions were the main data collection methods. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables and graphs. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data and presented in descriptive narratives. The study revealed that cultural and religious backgrounds of teachers, parents and students limit delivery and utilisation of reproductive health information and education especially on topics that are considered “sensitive” in the society such as sex and sexual diversities. The study concluded that learners want more reliable information on sexual reproductive health. However, the life-skills education curriculum is not comprehensive and does not address many of the reproductive health issues that young learners go through. The study recommends that through the Kenyan Ministry of Education, the school curriculum should be inclusive of reproductive health education without overlooking any of the issues that are affecting young students in schools. It also recommends active involvement of parents in delivery of reproductive health information to students for their awareness and parental support.