Anthony WanyoroJohn MaingiJackim NyamariChepchirchir, Maritim Violet2023-08-102023-08-102023http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/26714A research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of doctor of philosophy in public health (reproductive health) in the school of health sciences of Kenyatta University, April, 2023Reproductive tract pathogenic microorganisms are one of the major causes of adverse health outcomes among women in both developed and developing countries. Documented research reports that, despite the current intervention of establishing a dedicated clinic for this demographic, the uptake of reproductive health treatments among young street females (YSF) in Eldoret municipality is quite low. Community strategy as an intervention has been proven to be effective for the uptake of other reproductive health services but there is little information regarding its impacts on reproductive tract infections health service uptake among YSF in Eldoret municipality. The current study aimed to assess health-seeking behaviors and the impact of a community strategy on YSF's use of reproductive health care. A pretest-post-test quasi experimental with a qualitative and quantitative approach was applied among the YSF aged 10-24 years. The study used structured questionnaires and key informant interviews to collect data from the respondents. Vaginal swabs and blood samples were obtained from the respondents and taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital laboratory for identification of pathogenic microorganisms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V.26. The strength of the relationship between variables was tested using logistic regression. Community strategy which was the study intervention composed of health education, syndromic screening, and referrals to the health facility. Tables, charts, and graphs are used to present descriptive statistics. A total of 77 young street females from Eldoret municipality participated in the study. The respondents aged less than 15 years were ten (13%) while those who were aged more than twenty years were (62%). A significantly higher proportion of respondents reportedly sought treatment for RTI following the roll out of the intervention (68.1%) when compared to those who sought treatment at the preintervention phase (63.0%) difference: 5.1% (95 confidence interval (CI) 5.0% -39.2%), z = 2.534, p = 0.011). The implementation of the community strategy package revealed a positive outcome as it contributed to increased knowledge and uptake of health care services. The study also revealed T. vaginalis and T. Pallidum as the key pathogenic colonizers. The study recommended the integration of the community strategy package in policies that seek to improve the health care of young street females in Eldoret municipality. The study recommends the adoption of the community strategy as an intervention to increase the uptake of RTIs health services and promotion of the reproductive health of YSF.enreproductive tract infectionshealth servicesstreet femalesUasin Gishu CountyKenya.Thesis