Primary Submission Category: Reproductive health
Risky sex: cultural factors that put women at risk of unintended pregnancy in Kakamega county, Kenya
Authors: Nema Aluku,
Presenting Author: Nema Aluku*
Background: Women of reproductive age in Kakamega county continue to grapple with the rising prevalence of unintended pregnancies resulting in abortions and unwanted children. There exists a gap of data on how cultural beliefs and practices continue to leave women at risk of unintended pregnancy. This study aims to elucidate cultural factors that put women at risk of unintended pregnancy in Kakamega county, Kenya.
Methods: This was part of a larger mixed methods study that collected survey data (n=810) women of reproductive age and conducted key informant interviews (n=16), Focus Group Discussions (n=4), selected from among clan elders; reproductive health officers; religious leaders; and health workers. The study was carried out in 2016, covering fifty-four (54) villages under the twelve (12) sub-counties in Kakamega. Summary statistics were generated using frequency and contingency tables. In order to highlight participants lived experiences their views were summarised verbatim under the research questions and emerging themes.
Results: The study revealed that a woman who is married polygamous is 2.727 times more likely to get unintended pregnancy as compared to other marital status. The most (29.2%) stated cultural practice that puts women at risk of unintended pregnancy was funeral discos or “disco Matanga”; wife/widow inheritance (24.8%); acceptability of multiple sexual partners (24%); widow cleansing (12%) – practicing widow cleansing is 3.153 times more likely to expose a woman to the risk of unintended pregnancy – and initiation ceremonies (9.1%); others (0.9%). Study participants indicated that clan elders supported and encouraged these cultural practices. Participants suggested abolishing these cultural practices through community dialogue sessions. Additionally, women of reproductive age should be given an opportunity to highlight key cultural practices that influence unintended pregnancy.
Conclusion: The study provided new knowledge on how culture can influence women’s sexual and reproductive health. Community dialogue sessions and existing structures should be used to disseminate key messages.