Strategies for Accessing Reliable Health Information for Pregnant Adolescents in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

This qualitative study explores strategies for accessing health information among pregnant adolescents in Kajiado County, Kenya, with a focus on school dropouts. Teen pregnancies in Kajiado remain a major issue, causing high dropout rates and limiting learners’ access to essential information for informed health decision making. The objective of this study was to identify and recommend strategies that would enable them to access relevant health information, contributing to an improvement in the health status of the expectant mothers and their unborn babies. Utilizing the Case Study method, the study involved 14 In-depth Interviews and three Focus Group Discussions using purposeful sampling technique to select 32 expectant school-drop-out teens (ages 15-19) in Kajiado County. Ethical issues like informed consent were considered. The data were analyzed thematically covering the challenges the teenagers face, sources, and means they prefer for obtaining information, and their real-world experiences in the search for health-related information. The results indicate that pregnant teens’ dropouts are more vulnerable than others confined to the formal structures of education, which, in most cases, are the major sources of health information. In addition, other factors like socio-cultural aspects and lack of tailor-made communication strategies further complicate the situation. To address these challenges, the study outlines: community-based health education programs, mHealth platforms, and culturally sensitive communication approaches. This is intended to empower pregnant teenagers with sufficient knowledge and resources necessary for making informed decisions about their health. It, therefore, concluded that facilitating access to information on health matters among this marginalized group may greatly improve maternal and child health outcomes in Kajiado County, and ultimately help them realize their full academic potential. This research will enlighten policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals interested in the support of this vulnerable population.