Influence of Community Based Health Education on Family Planning Use among Pastoralist Women of Reproductive Age in West Pokot County, Kenya: A quasi-experimental study DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i3.1

Abstract

Introduction: Utilisation of contemporary family planning techniques is a good intervention that prevents pregnancy-related health risks for women. However, its utilisation among pastoralist communities is far below the global and national targets and averages. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of community-based health education on contraceptive adoption rates among women of reproductive age in pastoralist areas in West Pokot County, Kenya.

Methodology: This study employed a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design.  Study participants were grouped into intervention and control arms, where participants in the intervention arm received health education for a period of six months. The baseline and post-test survey was conducted among 578 respondents, 289 in each arm. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while Key informant interviews and Focused Group Discussion guides were used for qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA version 16, and a logistic regression test was used to establish a correlation between variables. The odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data.

Results: The study revealed a significant increase in family planning uptake at the conclusion of the intervention period. The percentage of women who reported ever using a family planning method rose from 143 (24.7%) at baseline to 193 (33.4%) post-intervention (p=0.01). Similarly, current FP use increased from 20.4% (118) to 28.9% (167) in the same period (p<0.01). 57 (9.8%) reported moderate intention, while 58 (10%) reported a strong intention to use it in the future.

Conclusion: Community-based health education positively influenced family planning uptake and acceptance among women in pastoralist communities. The study recommends integrating culturally sensitive intervention strategies to enhance FP adoption in pastoralist settings. Additionally, advocates for future studies to investigate the long-term effects of community-based health education on the use of contraceptives, and its impact on mother and child health outcomes.