Challenges Facing Infertile Persons in the Agikuyu of Kieni West Division of Nyeri County, Kenya
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Date
2013-11-06
Authors
Mwangi, Teresia Wairimu
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Abstract
This study investigated the challenges experienced by infertile individuals amongst the
Agikuyu community in Kieni West Division. The study was based on the premise that there
are many causes of infertility, many psycho-social as well as economic challenges faced by
infertile persons in the Gikuyu Community. These challenges are being experienced even
when many initiatives at international and national levels have been put in place to elevate
the status of all people. The study identified mechanisms used by the Agikuyu to address
infertility as well suggesting ways of overcoming these challenges. The study was guided by
Linda Sharon's theory (2000). It states that barrenness alters an individual's sense of self
worth by creating feeling of deficiency, hopelessness and shame. Both infertile men and
women experience self conceptual image as a result of infertility and although they may
experience it differently, women often feel inadequate and defiant for failing to fulfill
personal and societal roles, while men often feel inferior, ashamed and angry. The study
targeted childless couples who have been married for at least seven years, medical
practitioners, and members of the clergy, administrators and neighbours of the infertile
persons. Snowball sampling was employed to sample infertile persons, while purposeful
sampling was used to sample members of the clergy, chiefs and medical practitioners. Simple
random sampling was employed to sample the neighbours of the infertile individuals. Data
was collected using interview schedules for the infertile individuals while questionnaires
were used in all other categories. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive
statistics and findings presented in charts, percentages and proportions, while qualitative data
was presented in a narrative report. The research found that infertility can have serious effect
on both the psychological well-being and the social status of both men and women .However,
it was also noted that women pay the price of infertility in a marriage. To address these
challenges ,the study recommends public education on infertility ,delivery of good infertility
care bearing in mind the implications of infertility and insight into the context in which it
occurs and guidance and counseling.
Description
Department of Gender and Development, 2012