Spousal Verbal Communication Patterns on Reproductive Tract Infections among Married Women in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Ndung’u, Gladys Wangui
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Reproductive tract infections (RTIS) adversely affect the reproductive health of both
women and men. However, the consequences are widespread and devastating among
women. Limited information is available about spousal communication on reproductive
tract infections among women in Kenya. This study was designed to investigate factors
influencing spousal verbal communication on reproductive tract infections, determine
the level of knowledge of the common symptoms and treatment practices in spousal
communication on RTIs and assess spousal verbal communication patterns on RTIs
among married women in Thika Sub-County, Kenya. This study used a cross-section
design. A total of eight reproductive health personnel participated as key informants.
Using structured questionnaires, a simple random sampling was employed to collect
data from 422 married women with RTIs and attending Thika Reproductive Health
Unit. The findings from this study reported that the secondary level of education and
urban residence were independent predictors of spousal communication among married
women in Thika Sub-County, Kenya (p<0.001). The odd ratio of spousal
communication in the tertiary level of education was 4.482 times greater than that of the
primary level of education on RTIs. Besides, the odds ratio of spousal communication
among respondents who resided in the urban areas was 2.816 times greater than those
who resided in the rural areas on RTIs. The urban residence as well as the secondary
and tertiary levels of education were also significant predictors of good spousal
communication on RTIs (p<0.05). The women who knew the symptoms of RTIs were
more likely to verbally discuss with their spouses than who had no knowledge on the
same (57.7% vs. 35.5% p = <0.05). The respondents who used condoms were more
likely to communicate with their partners on the symptoms of RTIs than those who did
not (58.3% vs. 43.7%; p<0.05). Most of the respondents who sought treatment
communicated with their partners on RTIs at 55.6% as opposed to those who never
sought treatment at 38.9% (p<0.05). The highest proportion of women who abstained
communicated with their partner compared to those who never abstained (60.3% vs.
45.3%; p<0.05). There was an association between spousal verbal communication
patterns on RTIs, residence and level of education (p<0.05). In conclusion, tertiary
education and urban residence were independent socio-demographic predictors of
spousal communication on RTIs among married women in Thika Sub-County. Besides,
there was an association between spousal communication on RTIs with knowledge, use
of condoms, sex abstinence and seeking treatment. The residence and level of education
were significantly associated with the spousal communication patterns on the RTIs.
This study recommends fostering open and effective communication between spouses
allows partners to voice out their concerns and worries about reproductive health issues.
This ensures co-operation in seeking treatment and strategizing on preventive measures.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Health (Reproductive Health Option) in the School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences of Kenyatta University, November, 2021
Keywords
Spousal Verbal Communication Patterns, Reproductive Tract Infections, Married Women, Kiambu County, Kenya