Factors Influencing Uptake of Alternative Rite of Passage Among Teenage Girls in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

ARP is a strategy to ensure girls transit from childhood to adulthood without the harmful effects of FGM. There has been a slow uptake of Alternative rite of passage (ARP), 200 per year on average among girls aged 12-18 years (1.4%) in a region with high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 68%. The study aimed at assessing factors influencing the uptake of ARP among girls in Tharaka Nithi County. The specific objectives were to find out knowledge on ARP, to determine social cultural factors that influence uptake of ARP, to determine the perception on ARP among girls in Tharaka Nithi County. A cross sectional analytical study was carried out in Tharaka Nithi County Kenya. The study targeted girls aged 12-18 years who were 24,458. A sample of 349 girls was selected using proportionate sampling method. Data was collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews that yielded both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and presented in pie charts, bar graphs and tables. Chi square was used to establish relationship between variables and a P value of 0.05 was considered significant. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish the strength of the linear relationship between the variables under study. The study showed that most girls had not undergone any rite of passage 309(88.5%) of those that had undergone a rite of passage 65% had undergone FGM. The study found out majority of the girls would want to undergo ARP 265 (75.9%). It was evident from the study that those who had knowledge on ARP were more likely to undergo the rite a P value of <0.001. It was also established that the social cultural environment influenced uptake of ARP with those that had friends who had undergone ARP more likely to undergo the rite a P value of <0.001, parental support of ARP with a P value of <0.001 and leadership support of ARP with a P value of <0.001. Most girls felt that ARP is a better rite of passage 203 (58.1%) but felt that girls do not have to undergo any rite of passage148 (42.2%). The study concluded that knowledge of the girls was low, the support of the peers and leaders and their family influenced the uptake of ARP. The study recommended that more information should be given to the girls to increase their knowledge. Involving local leaders and cultural custodians in the ARP will increase acceptability of the rite.