Utilization of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services among Youth Living on the Streets in Nakuru County, Kenya
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Date
2020-06
Authors
Lumonje, Irene Khavere
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health care is a crucial concern
surrounding the advancement of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights.
Making clinical services attractive to the younger generation has remained a challenge.
Sexual and reproductive health services remain underutilized by the youth living on the
streets. Unfortunately, this group is exposed to a very hostile environment on the streets,
has a highly mobile and unprotected lifestyle often resulting in early sexual debut,
physical and drug abuse, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in these youth on the streets. Toward the Kenya
government goal of attainment of Universal health for all Kenyans, there is a need to
explore the unique SRH needs of this group. This study sought to investigate the
utilization of SRH services among the youth living on the streets. A descriptive survey
research study was done in Nakuru town in Nakuru County, Kenya. One hundred and
eight study participants were recruited using cluster sampling from five sites identified.
Three core research tools used to collect data were the researcher administered
questionnaires, group discussion, and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed
through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The qualitative data
were analyzed using a content approach. The study found out that these youths knew
their SRH needs and inadequate information on the various SRH services being offered
in the health facilities. The utilization of SRH services is low at 25.9%. A majority
(84.1%) had experienced SRH problems. Most (75.07%) did not know the types of
reproductive health services offered. Demographic factors such as; whether parents are
employed or not (p 0.018), and youth’s level of education (p 0.005) were associated with
the utilization of the SRH services. Economic factors like the affordability of SRH
services (p 0.005), costs charged by SRHF (0.000), staff’s attitude in the health facility (p
0.017) and availability of health facility (0.017) were associated with utilization of SRH
services. Recommendations include the provision of information for YLOS on SRH need
and the available SRH services to increase utilization, efforts should be made to establish
and strengthen Youth friendly service Centre in Bondeni where a large number of the
YLOS seek reproductive health services and need to increase funding for reproductive
health services to these facilities so as all the services can be offered free of charge to the
YLOS. This will further increase access and utilization as most of them do not have
reliable sources of income.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Award of Degree of Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology & Disease Control) in the School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences of Kenyatta University. June, 2020
Keywords
Utilization, Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services, Youth, Living on the Streets, Nakuru County, Kenya