Role of Church Affiliation and the Sexual Behaviour Choices of Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2024-01
Authors
Rotich, Marseline Cherono
Gecaga, Margaret
Gitome, Josephine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CARI
Abstract
Purpose: The current study sheds light on the role of church affiliation in shaping sexual
attitudes and behaviour. Not enough was known about how Christianity can influence the
construction of values and beliefs that discourage risky sexual behaviour among adolescents at
universities in Kenya. Little was understood on the role of church affiliation explaining
variation in adolescent sexuality among Christian communities at universities. Spirituality is
an understudied subtype of religiosity yet it may explain patterns of sexual behaviour. Most
studies that have examined the relationship between sexual behaviours and religiosity have
focused on sexual intercourse. These studies have not examined other sexual behaviour
choices, like internet sex.
Methodology: Using a mixed-methods design, the relationship between church affiliation and
sexual behaviour was examined. In quantitative analysis, a stratified probability sample of
(n=176 students) who attend regular prayer sessions in three universities: the Kenyatta
University (KU) Main Campus, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
(JKUAT) Karen Campus, and the Daystar University was used. Qualitative interviews were
conducted with university administrators, chaplains, and other church workers. Undergirding
the study was the social identity theory, which articulates the idea of people seeking to gain
membership and acceptance in any social group.
Findings: The findings suggest church affiliation has a significant effect on sexual attitudes,
values, and behaviour. There seems to be an interaction between extrinsic and intrinsic
religiosity, with frequent church attendance appearing to induce more conservative sexual
beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. Church affiliation had a significant effect on sexual behaviour
choices, which includes internet sex and cohabitation and extreme sexual activities.
Description
Article
Keywords
Church Affiliation, Sexual Behaviour Choices, Religiosity, Spirituality
Citation
Rotich, M. C., Gecaga, M., & Gitome, J. (2024). Role of Church Affiliation and the Sexual Behaviour Choices of Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Humanity and Social Sciences, 2(1), 1-16.