Oby, Obyerodhyambo2024-05-022024-05-022023-10Obyerodhyambo, O. (2023). Interpretation of Meaning in Sexual and Reproductive Health Messages by Young Women in Kenya. Daystar University, School of Communication.https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4387Doctoral ThesisGlobal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) indicators reveal a consistent deterioration of reproductive health indicators especially among young women (YW). YW engage in complex interpretational processes in which various factors intersect to influence the emerging meaning of the SRH messages. However, this interpretational processes and factors influencing the meaning of SRH messages have not received adequate research attention. This study explored the process of interpretation of meaning, the situational and dispositional factors that influence that interpretation and explored structures for YW to actively engage in SRH message conceptualization and communication. The study adopted a qualitative design using constructivist grounded theory approach and drew from participatory action research (PAR). The main method used in the study was in-depth interviews with groups and key informants and this was complimented with participant as observer and non-participant observer methods. The study conducted a total of 16 focus group discussions in four counties: Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya interviewing 126 YW ranging from 18-24 years of age who were identified as the sample for this study. The study interrogated and tabulated the process of interpretation of meaning by YW. The hybrid methodological innovation used in the study extends the application of Stuart Hall’s encoding/ decoding (1973) into health communication interpretation of meaning making. The study found that the YW’s definition of SRH was very fluid and this malleability impacted the way that the messages were interpreted. The source and place of receipt of the message have a significant impact on how the messages are interpreted. The interplay between the situational and dispositional factors create interpretational frameworks that determine the meaning ascribed to messages. The study found that the interpretation of SRH messages is dominated by a sense of besiegement. Notably, poverty or economic vulnerability was the biggest factor in interpreting SRH messages. This study developed a grounded theory of SRH Communication, siege mentality theory, 2023 that provides insight on the role of feelings (of besiegement) in the interpretation of meaning of SRH messages by YW. This study provides a platform for YW to methodically challenge the hegemony of culture, faith, government policy, and the health infrastructure that unilaterally encodes SRH messages.enSexualReproductive HealthYoung WomenKenyaThesis