The effect of formal education and cultural values on the use of :methods of contraception among urban women'{: the case of Nairobi.

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to establish whether demand for contraception methods exists to match the supply.) and this was to be facilitated by an analysis of the impact of sociological variables such as education, and specific cultural values. The research problem, reflected the inability of urban women, to translate the knowledge of contraception methods into use. This has contributed to the high population which stagnates rapid urban and consequently national development. Although F.P programmes that preach the gospel of contraception are spread all over the country, there are only a few women who have comprehended the vitality of the programmes. A majority still harbour some reason for not complying. The study was cognizant of the direct effcet the use of methods of contraception has on the fertility a nation together with the fact that, contraceptive use is being introduced into a socio-culturalenvironment not conducive to encouraged adaption. The study assumes the radical approach that, education is an obstacle the promotion of contraceptive use. The sample was made up of three hundred and eighty four (384) "ever" married women living in the city of Nairobi, who were selected from five divisions namely, Dagoretti, Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani and Kasarani, using the l!Julti-stage~.ampJ~"llle..." which incorporated purposive and availability sampling methods at each respective stage. Data was collected using the questionnaire interview schedule which was administered by the researcher and four assistants over a period of four months.

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Three hypothesis were consequently tested using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics, for example, the chi-square, measures of association such as Cramers 'V' and PHI, all aimed at supplementing the discussion in the chapter on data analysis and presentation. The theoretical framework used was functionalism, which state that all social and cultural forms have positive functions to maintain harmony in the society. Indeed, society continuity and existence are of concern. The findings indicate that both formal education and cultural values have a statistically significant relationship, and bearing on the use of methods of contraception, all of which combined, exercabate the problem of non-use. That methods of contraception are viewed with suspicion and doubt. In conclusion, it is proposed that, any policy must reckon with the existing patterns of fertility behaviour that result in high levels of fertility, before it can develop methods of influencing fertility decisions among couples. That traditional value systems should evolve and not change to fit the present social system. It is recommended among other things that rigorous campaigns should be initiated and continued to alleviate the fear of side-effects, and that men should be included in compulsory counselling sessions because they are instrumental in increasing the use of contraception methods. Further, the rural bias by organizations should be discouraged. Finally, in order to manage the social problems caused by population pressure, effective use of contraception methods must become a reality, attain socio-cultural value and be totally acceptable.