Influence of Communication Strategies Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Kilifi County, Kenya. A Case of Tupange Pamoja Initiative.

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries 10% of all girls become mothers by 16 years, (WHO, 2019). The Tupange Pamoja Initiative (TPI) initiated in Kenya was designed to provide adolescents with positive sexual reproductive health education. A high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Kilifi County points to a failure of the initiative. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of their communication strategies and to determine their effect on reproductive health habits. Qualitative information on teenagers and young adults’ attitudes, communication strategies and youth involvement in awareness campaigns, and quantitative information on the prevalence of teenage pregnancies were collected using a mixed method design. Accordingly, the data was collected using focus discussion groups (FDGs), surveys, and key informant interview. The communication strategy’s impact on prevention of teenage pregnancies is detailed: a majority of respondents gave the whole-site approach an average rating (24%), a majority of respondents gave the interactive youth-led informal sessions an average rating (28%) and a majority of respondents gave the communication roles of youth peers an excellent rating (31%). The qualitative findings of this study highlighted the varying perceptions of the communication strategies used to prevent teenage pregnancies suggesting that while structured programs have some impact, relatable and peer-driven initiatives may resonate more strongly with adolescents, enhancing their effectiveness in addressing teenage pregnancy. Communication through youth peers creates an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, and the experiences of teenagers are validated and used as learning tools, making the initiative's messages more impactful and resonant. The findings from this study also underscored the importance of incorporating youth-led communication strategies within adolescent sexual reproductive health programs. By prioritizing peer-driven initiatives, the Tupange Pamoja Initiative (TPI) fostered an environment where young people felt more comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as teenage pregnancy. The engagement of youth peers, who often shared similar experiences and challenges, allowed for relatable messaging that resonated more deeply with adolescents. This suggested that peer-to-peer communication was not only effective in raising awareness but also in driving behavioral change, particularly when addressing reproductive health habits among teenagers. The respondents gave the TPI initiative an excellent rating on its impact in reducing teenage pregnancies, pointing to better reproductive habits amongst the teenagers. In conclusion, the initiative has garnered positive reception and shows effectiveness while also highlighting specific areas that require focused enhancement.