Socio-cultural and economic factors inflencing unsafe abortion in Migori Subcounty, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Abortion is highly restricted in Kenya, but remains a controversial and common phenomenon which contributes to a major public health problem. Indeed (unsafe) abortion is a public health problem, putting many women at severe risk of serious health disability or even death. Studies in Kenya reveal that abortion occurs at significant levels. In Kenya, over 300,000 spontaneous and induced abortions occur annually, making it a leading cause of reproductive morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted in Migori Sub-County, Migori County Kenya. The study had three objectives: to describe traditional knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour about sexual relations, having children and contraceptive use in Migori Sub-County; to examine the changes that have taken place historically, which have influenced the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices regarding sexuality, having children and abortion; to establish the social, cultural and economic factors that influence unsafe abortion among the Luo of Migori Sub-County. The study used the anomie theory and the theory of redefinition of the situation which argues that despite the socio-economic crisis the Luo of Migori Sub- County find themselves in, the crisis brings change and change brings about disorganization in society which will make them begin to search for new beliefs, status, norms to bring about stability. A cross-sectional and descriptive research design was used in the study. The data was collected using interview schedule, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and life histories. Respondents were identified using multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques. The target population was females who had procured abortion and males whose spouses and/or girlfriends had aborted. There were ten cases, four focus group discussions and 215 respondents. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while the qualitative data was transcribed and analysed by thematic content analysis. The study revealed that the majority of respondents had sexual relations before marriage; female respondents experienced sexual relations two years earlier that their male counterparts; mass media and westernization have greatly interfered with the traditional beliefs and practices; the increase in illicit sexual relationships among married partners in search for favours (money) especially females. The study recommends that any reproductive health program have to focus on the socio- economic contexts within which abortion occurs if the problem is to be pragmatically addressed. Further research may focus on individual and community knowledge, attitudes and practices that relate to socio-cultural factors aimed at reducing incidences of abortion.