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
