30 years on, myths and misconceptions still a barrier to contraceptive use

Physician showing woman birth control implant {Photo Courtesy}

Mistimed and unwanted pregnancies remain common among young women in Kenya several decades after the introduction of modern contraceptive methods. Contraceptive use among young women remains low compared to older women. Some known barriers to the low uptake include side effects, access to commodities and partner approval.

Using evidence from a qualitative study on barriers to modern contraceptive methods uptake among young women in Kenya conducted by Rhoune Ochako and other researchers, it was reported that use of modern contraceptives is surrounded by confusion on appropriate usage and beliefs and myths most of which were hearsay from social networks.