| dc.description.abstract | This study examined some of the factors influencing women's
reproductive health (WRH) in Katolo sub-location of Kisumu
district, Kenya. It was prompted by a recognition that women's
health is of utmost importance for the socio-biological
survival of humankind. Women bear children, care for them, and
socialize them into a community's desired habits. They, in
turn, mature into adults, parenting future generations.
The focus of t he study was socio-cultural factors which
influence community WRH in Katolo, including customary beliefs
and norms. The overall aim was to generate empirical data on
the subject, which could hopefully serve as a basis
designing pragmatic intervention programmes, and probably
provoke further inquiry into the problem.
Four hypotheses were formulated to guide in identifying and
analyzing the factors impinging on WRH in Katolo. Education
and health awareness, customary beliefs and practices, and
women's reproductive autonomy, were examined as the key
variables explaining the WRH situation in the area. These were
analyzed in the context of socialization and gender
perspectives revealing the role of cultural ideology in
sustaining certain cultural arrangements which impinge on
community health.
Data collected from 98 women respondents were analyzed
electronically using the SPSS package. Interviews were also
held with groups and key informants.
The key findings of the study were that; first, age at:
marriage had a bearing on women's knowledge and perceptions
on reproductive matters, including associated illnesses.
Older women age were more knowledgeable on such illnesses than
younger women. Yet, the latter had higher chances of being
victims of those illnesses. Second, women in Katolo perform
heavy duties during pregnancy, including digging, weeding,
carrying heavy loads and walking long distances. They do not
perceive such duties as health hazards, for they have little
or no option than to contend with a situation of 'absentee'
male spouses. Third, women are affected by cultural beliefs as
regards their nutrition and health. To some extent , food
taboos determine their feeding habits during pregnancy.
Fourth, women in Katolo are fairy gender sensitive. They
however, have little autonomy over crucial decisions affecting
their sexuality and fertility. They also have little or no say
on whether or not to provide equal education opportunities to
their children.
Finally, the majority of women in Katolo do not use modern
family methods largely because of 'fear' of their male
spouses. They also poorly utilize modern child delivery, and
instead utilize the services of TBAs.
The studies most overriding recommendation is that there is
need to design and implement
programmes targeting WRH,
pragmatic and comprehensive
to alleviate the scenario
portrayed in the study. It calls for a concerted efforts by
all stake holders - the government, NGOs and the community to
improve WRH and general community health in Kenya. | en |
