Knowledge and misconceptions surrounding family planning among Young Maasai women in Kenya

ABSTRACT

Adolescent fertility rates are high in Kenya and increase the likelihood of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and barriers surrounding the use of family planning services among young Maasai women in Laikipia County, Central Kenya. Individual interviews with 50 participants were conducted in Laikipia County, Kenya during June and July of 2019. Qualitative data was visualised using JMP software and coded using the framework method for content analysis. Several overarching themes were identified. First, we identified a high rate of unintended pregnancy and a low rate of family planning use. Second, we found that many young Maasai women believe that only women that are married and have finished childbearing should utilise family planning services. Finally, we document highly prevalent myths among young women in the Maasai community that the use of family planning will lead to negative health consequences, such as infertility and cancer. We conclude that the Maasai community of Laikipia County, Kenya needs comprehensive family planning education that will improve knowledge and dispel myths in order to empower young Maasai women to make informed decisions surrounding family planning.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• contraception
• family planning

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend our gratitude to the participants for their collaboration and participation in this study. The authors would like to thank the village elders, community leaders, and the Laikipia County Ministry of Health for their support and accommodation during the length of this investigation. The authors would like to thank Andrew Conner, who donated his time to assist with the process of coding and data analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.