The Use Of Interpersonal Communication In Promoting Maternal And Child Survival In West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the use of interpersonal communication in promoting maternal and child survival in West Pokot County, Kenya. Maternal and child mortality rate in West Pokot County has been above the country’s average. The study sought to investigate the different forms of interpersonal communication that have been used by the health promoters to convey messages aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality levels. It also identified the factors that affect the choice of each form of interpersonal communication used in promoting maternal and child survival. The study further examined the perceptions of the community on the various forms of interpersonal communication used. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and adopted a mixed research methods approach were adopted. A sample of three hundred and ninety respondents was selected from the County through multistage sampling technique that include; cluster, simple random sampling and purposive sampling and additional qualitative data were collected using four key informant interviews and four focus group discussions. The qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS programme, then presented using a combination of narrative explanations, tables and graphs. The results from the study showed that face to face interpersonal communication was the most popularly used form of interpersonal communication at 75.4%, while the use of mobile telephone was only 14.1%. Moreover, from the study, government policies, health indicators, national campaigns and routine of the health workers were identified as the major factors that influenced the choice of the interpersonal forms used. The attitudes and perceptions of the community towards health workers were fairly rated at 53.8%. This study concludes that though technology has permeated every sphere of life, still face-to face interpersonal communication is supreme in a situation where action is required of reception of the message. The study recommends that the government should formulate a policy that incorporates the cultural aspects that encourage the upholding of proper upkeep of children and pregnant mothers should be identified and used during maternal and child survival campaigns. In addition the views of all the stakeholders should be sought and incorporated into programmes aimed at enhancing maternal and child survival campaigns. Again, messages should be designed and directed at health workers to improve their attitudes towards their clients.