Social-cultural Determinants of Gender Differential in Access and Utilisation of Reproductive Health Services among Male and Female Youths in Ndeiya Division, Limuru Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Gender differential in access and utilisation of Reproductive Health Services (RHS) among young women and men is a major challenge in ensuring healthy youthful population. Differential access and utilisation of Reproductive Health Services is determined by many factors among them social-cultural factors. The objective of the study was to explore the social-cultural determinants that affect differential access and utilisation of Reproductive Health Services by the male and female youth in Ndeiya Division. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory. Descriptive survey design was adopted to collect numerical and non-numerical information. The target population consisted of 5621male and 5733 female youth aged between 15-24 years. The study solicited information from a sample size of 386 individuals which comprised of 190 males and 196 females. Convenience sampling was employed to select the youths whose data were collected using questionnaires. In addition, five health officers from the two public health facilities within Ndeiya division were selected using census survey. Numerical information was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using key informant interview guide. Statistical software (SPSS), version 20 aided in analysing the primary data. The study established that more young women accessed and utilised Reproductive Health Services as compared to young men though the differential access was not very large. Study recommended the empowerment of young men through training programs to create awareness on the need of seeking RHS without being influenced by gender stereotype notions and young women to be empowered to make their personal decisions on issues of Reproductive Health (RH).