BARRIERS TO CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN KENYA

This study was designed to identify and to better understand the barri ers to contraceptive use among Kenyan couples. Data were collected thr ough structured interviews and focus group discussions among couples n ot planning for pregnancy and not using any effective contraceptive me thod. The study was conducted in the Baba Dogo urban slum area of Nair obi, and Chwele, a rural sub-location in Bungoma, western Kenya. Some important barriers to contraceptive use were identified in couples wis hing to space or limit further births. Those barriers included lack of agreement on contraceptive use and on reproductive intentions; husban d's attitude on his role as a decision maker; perceived undesirable si de effects, distribution and infant mortality; negative traditional pr actices and desires such as naming relatives, and preference for sons as security in old age. There were also gaps in knowledge on contracep tive methods, fears, rumours and misconceptions about specific methods and unavailability or poor quality of services in the areas studied. This paper recommends that information and educational programmes shou ld be instituted to increase contraceptive knowledge, to emphasise the value of quality of life over traditional reproductive practices and desires, and to improve availability and quality of services.