The role of guidance and counselling in prevention of abortion amongst Kenyan public university students

Abstract

It is evident that, despite the Kenyan government's commitment to curb the practice of abortion in the country, unpleasant surprises still occur. Remains of unborn babies wrapped in black plastic bags have, in the recent past, been found at various dump-sites. The Ministry of Health estimates released in May 2004 suggested that over 700 abortions are carried out daily. A study by AMREF (1999) established that 7% of the youth in school had experienced a pregnancy at least once. Of the girls who had experienced pregnancy, 47% had terminated the pregnancy through an induced abortion In Kenya, young people are vulnerable to early pregnancies, child bearing and abortion. Fertility levels have remained high because the use of contraceptive among the youth is low. This is attributed to the lack of access to information and services, perceived hostility of service providers and inadequate government policies in addressing reproductive health of the youth. It is within this setting that the present study endeavors to highlight the role of guidance and counseling in addressing university students' reproductive health needs, specifically unwanted pregnancies and abortion The study has established how guidance and counseling could be developed to create better awareness and understanding amongst students in Kenya public universities on the issue of abortion. The study underscores the students' awareness of guidance and counseling services at the university and establishes the reasons why university students do not seek for these services. VI It has also investigated the types of services available at the guidance and counseling unit and assessed the impact of guidance and counseling on students' change of their sexual behaviour. The study has also determined whether the problems experienced by expectant university students affect their academic performance. Last but not least, the study exemplifies that abortion has an adverse effect on the mental health of university students.Although the six public universities in Kenya are the target population, the University of Nairobi especially Kikuyu Campus has been selected for the questionnaire technique whereby 300 questionnaires were administered to students. The study results indicate that guidance and counseling services at the university do not comprehensively address students' reproductive health. Students view counseling resources negatively and are unwilling to seek help in those units. They further indicated getting information and advice on sexuality from their peers. The interaction between students and lecturers is minimal which hinders the development of a free and non-threatening relationship that is necessary for effective counseling. The current study has recommended that educational goals and objectives need to be properly integrated into the school curricular in order to equip the student with relevant knowledge and skills to face the life's challenges. It is hoped that this research will help in strengthening morality in students and in the contemporary Kenyan society.