Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Stacy-Ann D. Christian

Abstract

Family planning (FP) is a cost-effective public health strategy, but the uptake is low with marked disparity among adolescents and postpartum women. However, data on these marginalized groups are limited. This quantitative, cross-sectional study sought to provide information on the factors that contribute to the uptake of FP among adolescents and postpartum women in Kenya. The 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey FP data were analyzed regarding the factors associated with FP uptake among adolescents and postpartum women as well as the differences by region. The factors were organized according to the socioecological model (SEM) and included intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and organizational levels of influence. The logistic regression model was used to determine the contribution of different factors to the uptake of FP. The results indicated that compared to adolescents, older women have better socioeconomic status, and a higher proportion are using modern FP methods. On bivariate analysis, factors at all levels of the SEM were associated with uptake of FP in both groups. On regression analysis, factors that contributed most significantly to the uptake of FP were at the intrapersonal and organizational levels among adolescents and at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels among postpartum women. Recommendations include further research on empowering adolescents to make informed choices in FP, FP interventions focusing on more than one level of SEM, and regional disparities being addressed. The information provided by this study can contribute to improved FP uptake and positive social change for adolescents and postpartum women, which means better health, economic benefits, and improved quality of life.

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