Factors Influencing Safe Sex Practice Among Secondary School Youth: A Case Of Mbooni East, Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the factors influencing safe sex practice among secondary school youth in Mbooni East, Makueni County and introduces the behavioral theories that reviews the relationship to the factors that influence safe sex practices; peer education, family background, media, cultural and traditional practices. Many NGOs in Kenya have established reproductive health programs in secondary schools yet the HIV preference among the youth is increasing. This is because most of these programs are abstinence only with no or low information on safe sex practices like condom use and contraceptives. The studies aimed at determining a sound intervention program and enlighten youths on the factors that could influence their decision to safe sex practice. The research employed quantitative research design with a total population of 450 students from only 15 secondary schools out of 42 in Mbooni East, that were trained by Fadhili Trust using the choose Life curriculum. A sample size of 6 students was randomly drawn from a 30 member club from each school. Questionnaires were administered to them and data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 and presented using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study were that peer educators trusted the educator; Choose Life only focused on abstinence though it was effective in sex education; abstinence is the best option; media should deliver sex education and parents/guardians should talk to their youth on sexuality. The conclusion of the study was that NGOs uphold peer-led sex education because facing them out could be the cause leading to a 10% increase in the HIV/AIDs preferences among the youth. Other dynamics escalating were the family background as parents refuse to disseminate information on sexuality to their children, Media not efficiently disseminating information on safe sex practices to schools and the xenophobic cultural believes and practices that sexuality issues are a taboo to discuss. The study recommends that secondary school interventions sustain peer led sex education as it is the most effective mode to enlighten youths on sexuality and youth be informed on safe sex practices like the condom and contraceptives. The church/religious teachings are necessary in the delivery of sex education to the youth; that their parents/guardians talk to them about sexuality and safe sex practices. Finally, further research should be conducted to investigate the other factors that influenced the respondents’ awareness of safe sex practices.