An Assessment of Uptake of Reproductive Health Services Among Unmarried Adolescents in Kangemi Informal Settlements

Abstract

Adolescents constitute a significant number of urban populations, a majority of them are in the various informal settlements in Nairobi. Access and uptake of reproductive health services by adolescents are compounded by a myriad of determinants which act as enablers and/or hindrances for uptake. This study therefore assessed the uptake of reproductive health services among unmarried adolescents in Kangemi informal settlements. The study sought to identify the socio-economic characteristics that inform uptake of reproductive health services and to highlight institutional arrangements in healthcare facilities that determine uptake of reproductive health services among unmarried adolescents. The study was guided by two theories; sociological theory of adolescence and contemporary theory of adolescence, data was collected through semi structured interviews, key informants’ interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analysed thematically and findings contain verbatim quotes to elaborate on the voices of the study participants. It was found that unmarried adolescents’ uptake of reproductive health services, is dependent on interplay of factors both socio-economic and institutional. The factors vary from individual, interpersonal community and societal level. Level of education, peer and parental influence, availability and proximity of services as well as perceived susceptibility and severity to reproductive health concerns, fear of bringing shame to the family and self and having a child were contributing factors to uptake of reproductive health services. The study recommends a shift in perspective by parents and service providers to look at uptake of reproductive health services by unmarried adolescents from current societal circumstances and not from their (parents and service providers) social circumstances. Parents and service providers should respect and be cognisant of the right of adolescents to accurate and comprehensive reproductive health information, education and services