YOUTH FOCUSED DIALOGUES IN URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: An innovative approach to increase contraceptives uptake

Introduction Young people face numerous Reproductive Health (RH) challenges due to lack of access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services especially in urban informal settlement. A key component of... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction

Young people face numerous Reproductive Health (RH) challenges due to lack of access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services especially in urban informal settlement. A key component of the Kenya Urban Reproductive Health Initiative “Tupange” – a 5-year program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – was to improve Family Planning (FP) access for the urban poor populations. One strategic approach was to conduct youth focused dialogues targeting young mothers and youths aged 15-19 in the urban informal settlements of Nairobi.

Methodology

Youth focused dialogues were facilitated within the catchment area of the 45 facilities supported by Tupange in Nairobi County on a quarterly basis. Nurses trained on youth friendly services led the dialogue in a participatory manner ensuring accurate information about FP, dispelling myths and misconceptions about FP and young people sexuality. Information, communication and education materials on FP and other RH services were disseminated. Young people in need of FP and RH services were referred to the link facility.
A representative sample of Nairobi women were interviewed at baseline and followed at end line of the Tupange project.

Results

Comparing Tupange baseline and end line results for youths aged 15-19 in Nairobi:
The percentage using any FP method increased by 21.1% and using modern contraception by 21.8%. The method with the greatest increase was the injectable (28.6%). 28.2% of non-users at baseline reported using a modern method at end line.

Conclusions

Youth focused dialogues provide a healthy forum for accurate discussion on RH issues among young people empowering them to make right decisions about their RH. The young women get connected to FP services at their local health facility. This contributed to considerable increases in contraception prevalence among 15-19 year olds in the Tupange project.

References

MLE Technical Working paper3-2015