Barriers to communication on family planning between Scientists and the Roman catholic church in Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

Science and religion address threats facing humanity. However, the two are perceived to be in conflict especially on matters of health. A case in point is the use of artificial FP (AFP) methods which are supported by scientists. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) on the other hand advocates for natural FP (NFP) only. Such differences cause confusion to the public. The main purpose of this study was to investigate barriers to communication between scientists and the RCC on the subject of FP in Turkana County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: first, to explore ways in which scientists and RCC in Turkana County communicate on the subject of FP ; second, to establish areas of controversy between scientists and RCC on FP ; and third, to investigate barriers to communication on FP between scientists and RCC in Turkana County. The study is of significance to health policy makers and RCC in addressing hostilities, controversies, and conflicts surrounding FP and other health matters. The Functionalist Theory of Religion, Influence of Presumed Media Influence (IPMI) Theory, and Dialogue Model guided this study. The study adopted a cross-sectional exploratory design. The approach was qualitative. A sample population of thirty-two comprising scientists and RCC faithful was purposely selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with four RCC clergy and four scientists. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with twenty-four RCC lay members. Raw data from key informants and FGDs were coded, classified and categorised to allow for thematic analysis to arrive at findings and conclusions in line with the study objectives. The major findings were that there are no forums for engagement between scientists and RCC on such topics as health hence scientists and the RCC hardly communicate on FP. Further, findings suggest that although scientists are expected to disseminate research findings to the public, scientists are not effectively trained on science communication. The study recommends that avenues of communication between scientists and RCC on topics such as FP be established. It also urges that scientists be trained on science communication