Abstract:
Infertility in men and women is a widespread global phenomenon. However, socio-cultural
beliefs and practices have been associated with failed reproduction processes in Africa. The
study specifically aimed at establishing socio-cultural beliefs and practices associated with
infertility. Similarly, the study relied on a mixed method design which involves integrating both
qualitative and quantitative techniques. Thereafter, the data were organized, tabulated,
interpreted and described. In particular, the study employed the use of
semi-structured
questionnaires to gather information from 200 respondents. In addition, six Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) comprising of 10-12 individuals and thirty six (36) Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) comprising 20 health officers/practitioners, 4 religious leaders, 4 herbalists and
8 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) were conducted. The study disclosed that the concept of
infertility has strong social, cultural and economic undertones. From the perspectives of childless
couples, health practitioners, traditional birth attendants, herbalists and religious leaders, the
respondents have limited knowledge about causes of infertility. In particular, infertility is given
negative labels embedded in the community‟s socio-cultural set up. In Kisumu County, children
are quite vital and not predictive of the residents‟ experiences but also their future. The study
recommends for a comprehensive education program within Kisumu County aimed at filling the
existing knowledge gap about infertility and any myths associated with it. The study concludes
that low level of knowledge is a threat to management of infertility in Kisumu county.
