Exploring Levels of Teenage Premarital Sex and Pregnancy in Riana Division of Ndhiwa Sub-County, Kenya
- October 10, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IX, September 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Nyateko, Benard Dede1*, Ong’anyi, P. Obino2, Agwanda, Alfred Otieno3
1School of Arts and Social Sciences, Rongo University, Kenya
2Department of Social Sciences, Kibabii University, Kenya
3Population Studies and Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Kenya
*Corresponding author
Abstract: Teenage pregnancy has existed and is conceptualized as a social problem in many parts of the world. A recent report by the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey shows Kenya as one of countries with a large number of adolescent pregnancies in Africa. The situation could be worse in poor Counties in Kenya such as Homa Bay. This study sought to examine the level of premarital sex and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Riana Division of Ndhiwa Sub-County in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study was based on the Psychosocial Theory and employed Cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected using questionnaires and in-depth interview techniques from a sample of 303 girls randomly selected from the study area. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and results presented in tables and figures. The study established that there is high prevalence of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy in Riana Division of Ndhiwa Sub County. Lack of parental guidance and support was highly blamed as parents reportedly do very little in sharing reproductive health information with their teenage children. The study recommends that alternative approaches may be necessary to reach out to the teenagers to help solve the problem of teenage pregnancy.
Key Words: Premarital Sex, Teenage Pregnancy
I: INTRODUCTION
Teenage pregnancy has existed and is conceptualized as a social problem in many parts of the world (WHO, 2016). When it occurs, it affects the mental and physical health of the teenage mother and the child (Hogan and Kenny, 2016). It is sad to note that one-third of girls globally get pregnant before they reach age 16 years (CDC, 2016). Besides, they are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and coerced early sexual relationships (Mashao, 2017).
According to National Survey of Family Growth ( NSFG, 2017), Since 1970 teenage pregnancy and child bearing have remained higher in the United State than in the majority of other developed countries in the world.
