SCALING DOWN UNMET FAMILY PLANNING NEEDS AMONG YOUTHS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Bore Wilfrida*, Makong'o Sarah, Moraa Damaris and Ndovoyo J.

ABSTRACT

Access to contraceptive services for the youth is still a challenge worldwide despite the fact that this commodity is vital to youth’s well-being. Though Community Health volunteers (CHV) promote family planning in Kenya, the unmet need for contraceptives among youths remains high. Therefore, this study aims at scaling down unmet needs of family planning services among youths in Kakamega County. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the role of CHWs in increasing access and uptake of contraceptive services among youth aged 15-24 years in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study conducted 10 interviews and 5 focused group discussions involving CHVs, Youths, community members and leaders. Data was recorded, transcribed, translated, coded and thematically analyzed. The findings showed CHVs’ roles regarding contraceptive services entailed creating awareness, counselling, distribution of male condoms and referral of the identified clients to the health facilities. Majority of the participants agreed that culture, religion and tradition often do not support the use of contraceptives. The CHVs acknowledged the need for training and regular updates. Some health care workers, were not confident in CHVs taking up new roles regarding contraceptive services even with training, for the fear that they would not be ready to deal with contraceptive side effects, among others. Though their services are still limited, CHVs have the potential to increase access to contraceptives for youths. It is also important for the Ministry of Health to enforce the 2017 task-shifting guidelines and CHVs to be empowered to address cultural and religious norms and create understanding and support for contraceptive services.

Keywords: Community health volunteers, Contraceptives, Youth, Family planning.