A study done by the International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya found that 12 percent of adolescents in Nairobi between the ages of 15 and 19 use modern contraception. Ten out of every 100 Nairobi teenagers and young women utilize contraception by the age of 18. Six out of ten sexually active young women between the ages of 20 and 24 utilize modern methods of contraception, according to research published on Friday.
According to a survey conducted between November and December last year where 949 families were interrogated and gave feedback, 32% of teenagers prefer to obtain their contraception through government health institutions while 47% of them prefer to purchase it from pharmacies. Male condoms are the most frequently utilized method.
Injectables method of family planning is used by 7% of people, implants method is used by 4%, pills by 4%, withdrawal by 4%, and emergency pills were used by 2% of people. 10% of adolescents and young women use contraception by the age of 18. Findings from the study show that 15.1% of young women having sex were forced against their will, 37.4% were carried away, and 44.3% had their first sexual experience out of curiosity. 8.6% of those having sex claimed it was peer pressure, while 10.6% claimed they were doing what was expected of them.
Michael Waithaka, a senior data analyst who presented the results on behalf of PMA, stated that 62% of the teens employed the family planning method to avoid becoming pregnant. According to him, women begin having sex on average at the age of 18, by the time they begin using contraceptives they already have children, then begin taking contraceptives three years later, get married, and give birth.
The country is currently dealing with the triple threat of new HIV infections, gender-based violence, and teen pregnancies. Experts now worry that the triple threat will significantly restrict young people’s capacity to attain their full potential if it is not addressed. according to a previous declaration by health partners, Gender-based violence of a sexual character can result in HIV infection and pregnancy, whereas HIV infection can cause partner conflict and Gender-based violence. All three risks may arise from sexual interaction.
The majority of teenagers say they would like to get information about family planning via text on their mobile phones, while 59 percent say they would rather do it via social media sites like Facebook and WhatsApp.
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