Knowledge, Attitude And Socio-Cultural Beliefs And Practices Among Infertile Persons In Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Infertility is a life event with profound effect on the lives of men and women. However, perceptions on the causes and coping strategies vary across societies. This study interrogated the knowledge, attitude and socio-cultural beliefs and practices among infertile persons in Kisumu County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to interrogate the social construction of infertility among the residents of Kisumu County, investigate the attitudes of Kisumu County residents towards infertility, examine socio-cultural beliefs and practices associated with infertility in Kisumu County, and to analyze the coping strategies used by persons suffering from infertility in Kisumu County. In order to achieve the objectives, the study adopted an integrated study design. The target population included couples suffering from infertility in Kisumu County, from which a sample of 200 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study also targeted 36 key respondents that included the 20 health practitioners, 8 traditional birth attendants (TBA), 4 herbalists and 4 religious leaders who were selected purposively. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered for this study. The quantitative data was collected through semi structured questionnaires and later analysed using descriptive statistics. On the other hand, qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews and 6 focused group discussions (FGDs). The qualitative data was later subjected to thematic analysis from which relevant information was extracted.The obtained results suggested that although residents of Kisumu County accord great significance to childbearing, they have low level of knowledge on the meaning of infertility, and that socio-cultural beliefs and practices determines coping strategies of the infertile people. Another notable finding was that Kisumu County residents have negative attitudes towards infertility. Consequently, couples suffering from infertility continue to suffer socially, psychologically and economically. High cost of treatment was reported as a major economic challenge. Serious threats to marital stability and issues of social isolation and stigmatization were reported as the major social consequences. The study disclosed that most of the respondents relied on traditonal health interventions as their coping strategies. However, some individuals, especially those who recognized infertility as a biological disorder sought medical treatment in health centres. The study concludes that infertility is no longer confined to rural areas but also affect urban areas, neither is it restricted to one gender, and that the effective coping strategies adopted by the community demistifies its very existence. The study, recommends the improvement in diagnosis, treatment, education, counselling, and foster care services in addressing consequences of childbearing problems in Kisumu County.