The Role of Interpersonal Communication in the Use of Family Planning Methods Among Women. A Study of Kajiado County
Abstract
This study sought to find out the role of interpersonal communication in the use of family
planning among women in Kajiado County, The objectives of the study were.
Investigating the role of interpersonal communication in creating awareness about family
planning use, examining various forms of interpersonal communication used in creating
awareness about family planning use, examining the frequency of use of family planning
services and investigating the level of knowledge about family planning methods among
women in Kajiado County.
The study used social cognitive theory and health belief model to explain behavior
change in reproductive health .The research utilized descriptive design so as to be able to
collect data to describe a specific behavior of subjects under study as it occurred in the
environment. The study used a purposive sampling technique to deliberately select a
specific population for study. The study had a target population of women with
reproductive age between 15-45 years, with a sample size of thirty six respondents.
Twenty-five respondents used in-depth interviews, two groups each with five members in
the focused group discussions and one respondent for key informant interview were used
in data collection.
The findings of the study showed that, various communication channels such as
broadcast media, print media and interpersonal communication were used in behavior
change campaigns. However, various interpersonal communication channels were found
to be the most effective method used by women in passing messages of contraceptive
use. Although other communication channels were used, they were more commercial and
advertorial unlike interpersonal communication which was more informative and
v
educative as it employed dialogue among women.The study recommended that for
adequate use of contraceptives and achieving of vision 2030 and MDGs, various
stakeholders as the government, media and development partners should engage in
effective communication on reproductive health. Further, spousal communication should
be enhanced and the media should involve itself in intense education programmes on
family planning.
Citation
Masters Degree In Communication Studies,Publisher
University of Nairobi, School Of Journalism And Mass Communication,