Perceptions of Peer Contraceptive Use and its Influence on Contraceptive Method Use and Choice among Young Women and Men in Kenya: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Prior research has established that an individual’s social environment may influence his or her reproductive behaviors, yet less is known about peer influence on contraceptive use among young people (ages 15–24). In Kenya, the site of this study, 15% of adolescents ages 15–19 have begun childbearing and 45% of sexually active young women report current use of a modern contraceptive method. This highlights the need to better understand what factors influence young people to use contraception. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and contraceptive use and method choice among young men and women in Kenya. Methods This study utilizes a nationally representative sample of women and men aged 15–24 years from the 2018 and 2019 cross sectional Shujaaz State of the Kenyan Youth annual surveys. Among the sample of sexually experienced young people (59%), multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and the respondent’s contraceptive method choice: non-user, condom use or use of any other modern method. Results are presented separately for young men and young women. Results Our results show that sexually experienced young men and women who perceive that their peers are using contraceptives are more likely to report current use of modern contraception. Among women and men, the perception that their peers use contraceptives is associated with higher use of condoms compared to being a nonuser; they are also more likely to use condoms than another modern method of contraception. Young women are more likely to use another modern method (not including condoms) than be a nonuser when they perceive that their peers use contraceptives. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the important role of peer influence on young people’s contraceptive choices. These findings can be used to develop programs that encourage behavior change communication activities in Kenya that focus on providing information on the full range of contraceptive methods as well as normalizing contraceptive use among peer groups of sexually experienced young people.

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Diet, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Mental Distress among Young and Mature Men and Women: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13010024 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 24

Author(s):

Lina Begdache ◽

Saloumeh Sadeghzadeh ◽

Gia Derose ◽

Cassandra Abrams

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Fast Food ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Young Men ◽

Brain Morphology ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Caffeine Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Negatively Associated

Customization of mental health therapies needs to consider the differences in degree of brain maturity between young (18–29 years) and mature (30 years or older) adults as well as brain morphology among men and women. The aim of this study was to identify the significant dietary and lifestyle contributors to mental distress in these sub-populations. Independent repeated cross-sectional sampling was performed for over a 5-year period (2014–2019) to collect data from different populations at different time-points and seasons. A backward stepwise regression analysis was used on 2628 records. Mental distress in young women was associated with high consumption of caffeine and fast-food, and it was negatively correlated with moderate-high levels of exercise as well as frequent breakfast consumption. Mature women shared several common factors with young women; however, high fruit consumption was negatively associated with mental distress. For young men, high exercise, moderate consumption of dairy, and moderate-high intake of meat were negatively associated with mental distress. In addition, high fast-food and caffeine consumption were positively associated with mental distress in young men. For mature men, strong negative associations between higher education, moderate intake of nuts and mental distress surfaced. Our results support the need to customize dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve mental wellbeing.

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Trends and determinants of contraceptive method choice among women aged 15-24 years in Kenya

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.22481.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 197

Author(s):

Wambui Kungu ◽

Alfred Agwanda ◽

Anne Khasakhala

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Contraceptive Method ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Wealth Status ◽

Younger Women ◽

Method Choice ◽

Socio Economic Variables ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Background: Studies show a gap in addressing the reproductive health goals of younger women whose inconsistent use of contraception is high in spite of their great need for it. The women aged 15-24 present high potential for unintended pregnancy and increase the challenge for retention of users which is key in maintaining and pushing up the current gains in contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR). Objective: The objective of the study was to examine trends in contraceptive method choice for young women aged 15-24 years using modern methods and to determine factors associated with their choices. Methods: The study used data from KDHS of 2003, 2008/9 and 2014 in descriptive analysis and logistic regression to determine the socio-economic variables that influence the choice of contraceptive methods for young women. Results: Results showed a general shift in use towards long term modern contraceptives with the shift being more pronounced among young women with primary education, from rural areas, lower wealth households, and low contraceptive use regions. Women with secondary education and higher wealth status are shifting towards short term methods. Findings confirmed socio-demographic factors of age, education, wealth status and type of region as predictors of contraceptive use. Conclusions: Contraceptive information and services should be enhanced for young women to make informed choices concerning their reproductive and sexual health to enable them complete school and transition to colleges to acquire relevant skills that will make them optimally productive and lead Kenya to achieving the demographic dividend.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v5 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Young Men ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under three key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, and males’ contraceptive narratives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

10.21203/rs.2.21058/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Young Men ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.Results Results are presented under three key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, and males’ contraceptive narratives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives.Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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Gender aspects of aggressive behaviour in adolescence

Vestnik nevrologii, psihiatrii i nejrohirurgii (Bulletin of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery) ◽

10.33920/med-01-2006-04 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 45-49

Author(s):

Dmitriy Ivashinenko ◽

Elena Burdelova ◽

Lyubov Ivashinenko

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Young Women ◽

Physical Aggression ◽

Aggressive Behaviour ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Young Men ◽

Target Audience ◽

Preventive Work ◽

Gender Aspects ◽

High Level

This article presents the results of a study the purpose of which was research of the factors and patterns of aggression in adolescence. Its results are required to find personas, who need preventive work, and features of the system of preventive measures, depending on the structure of the target audience. In 2016 there were 721 respondents who took part in the study, and 1437 in 2019. The method used in this study is the Buss-Durkee test modified by G. V. Rezapkina (BDHI). Results of the study clearly demonstrate that amongst young people there is a high-level spread of severe irritation, especially among young women. Also, the predominance of such components of aggression as negativity and irritation was noted. According to the results, young women more often get irritated than young men, and on the scale of “negativism”, there is no significant differences. Physical aggression was discovered to be more characteristic for young men.

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Young Men and Young Women in Secure Care: Gender Differences in the Placement of Those With Mental Health Needs

10.21203/rs.3.rs-285733/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Annie Bartlett ◽

Jared G Smith ◽

Louise Warner ◽

Heidi Hales

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Young Women ◽

Census Data ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Young Men ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Data Set ◽

Secure Care ◽

Mental Health Diagnoses

Abstract Background The system of secure care for young people in England and Wales comprises youth justice, welfare and mental health facilities. Empirical studies have failed to investigate the system as a whole. The National Adolescent Study in 2016 was the first to provide comprehensive system wide information. This paper, derived from that data set, addresses equity of service provision for young men and women in secure care who have mental health problems.MethodsThe detained census population of English young people was 1322 and detailed data were available on 93% of this population, including 983 young men and 290 young women. The descriptive census data were interrogated to identify associations between gender, other sociodemographic and clinical variables, using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. To control for Type 1 errors, the False Discovery rate approach was used. SPSS (V25) was used for statistical analysis.Results Numerically more young men in secure care than young women in secure care warrant a psychiatric diagnosis but young women had a 9 fold increase in the odds of having a diagnosis compared with the young men. The pattern of mental health diagnoses differed significantly by gender as did the pattern of young men and women’s secure care placement. This different pattern of placement continued to differ by gender when the nature of the mental health diagnosis was taken into account.Conclusions No definitive explanation is evident for the significantly different, placement patterns of young men and young women with the same, mental health diagnoses but the anticipated consequences for some, young men and some young women are important. Proper explanation demands an examination of process variables out with the remit of this study. The lack of routine scrutiny and transparent processes across secure settings could be responsible for the development of these differential placement practices; these practices seem at odds with the duty placed on public services by the Equality Act.

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Gender inequalities in political participation and political engagement among young people in Europe: Are young women less politically engaged than young men?

Politics ◽

10.1177/02633957211028813 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026339572110288 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Grasso ◽

Katherine Smith

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Political Participation ◽

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Political Engagement ◽

Gender Inequalities ◽

Political Inequality ◽

Political News ◽

Current State ◽

Detailed Picture

This paper contributes to the literature by examining gender inequalities in political participation and political engagement among young people from a comparative perspective. By analyzing data on young people from nine European countries collected in 2018, we examine gender inequalities in participation in various modes of conventional and unconventional activism as well as related attitudes, broader political engagement and key determinants, cross-nationally, in order to provide a detailed picture of the current state of gender inequalities in political activism among young people in Europe. Our results allow us to speak to extant theorizing about gender inequalities by showing that the extent of political inequality between young men and women is less marked than one might expect. While the gender gaps in political participation for activities such as confrontational types of protest are small or absent, we find that young women are actually more active in petitioning, buycotting, and volunteering in the community. Young men instead are more active than young women in a majority of the nine countries analysed with respect to more institutional forms of participation linked to organizations and parties, various types of online political participation, and broader political engagement measures, such as internal political efficacy and consumption of political news through various channels. However, young men also appear to be more sceptical at least of certain aspects of democratic practice relative to young women.

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Single Life

Married Life in the Middle Ages, 900-1300 ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198798897.003.0008 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 229-254

Author(s):

Elisabeth van Houts

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Small Group ◽

Final Section ◽

Young Men ◽

Single Women ◽

Parental Choice ◽

Men And Women ◽

Monastic Life ◽

Single Men

This chapter is devoted to the single life. First it contains a section devoted to the issue of consent: who gives consent for the entry into monastic life, parents or the child? This section is followed by a discussion on single women in monastic and lay environments. The final section is devoted to single men in lay and monastic environments. The majority of single men and women were held hostage by economic circumstances rather than their own agency or choice. The relatively small group of religious young men and women entered their future destination by a combination of parental choice and their own agency. The increase in texts charting the generational battle for consent should be seen firmly in the wider context of a demand for choice amongst young people, especially women.

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Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09849-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽

Lianne Gonsalves ◽

Mary Thiongo ◽

Michael Waithaka ◽

Hellen Sidha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Men And Women ◽

Modern Contraception ◽

Contraceptive Knowledge ◽

Future Fertility ◽

Contraceptive Uptake

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18–24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.

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