Direct information to increase uptake of sexual and reproductive health information among young adolescents: qualitative study in Kisumu County, Kenya

Nixon O. Otieno, Centre for the Study of Adolescence
Janet Mugo, Centre for the Study of Adolescence
Albert Obbuyi, Centre for the Study of Adolescence

Kenya records poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among adolescents. Limited access to SRH information has increased risk of adolescents contracting STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Comprehensive sexuality education curricula fill this information gap but they remain largely teacher-driven and learners have little control on how the curriculum is delivered and prevents the learners from receiving direct unsolicited SRH information. Direct SRH information to learners aged 10-18 years was given through newspaper pullouts Teen Talk and Y Talk. 360 copies of the newspapers were distributed in 6 schools. There were 18 FGDs with students, 3 FGDs with parents and 12 informant interviews conducted. Findings show that newspapers were well received as a source of SRH information and peer educators mentioned using the newspaper to advice their peers. However, learners did not feel free talking to parents and teachers about sexuality due to concerns of confidentiality and harsh reactions.