Socioeconomic factors and reproductive health seeking behaviors among youths from poor households in ndhiwa subcounty, homabay county Kenya

Youths encompass those aged between 15 to 24 years (UN 2006). Reproductive health seeking behavior among the youth is a concept that influences them to reflect positively on their reproductive health. It includes personal actions to promote well being in reproductive health. Many socio economic factors impact negatively on reproductive health seeking behavior of the youths from poor households due to their compromised position in society. This exposes them to low reproductive care compliance and its many consequences (Atuyambe et al 2008). This descriptive study was aimed at establishing the relationship between socioeconomic factors of youths from poor households in Ndhiwa Sub County and their reproductive health seeking behaviors. Socio economic factors including household income, education levels and gender were explored. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Sample size of n=382 youths were randomly selected from the population. Cleaned data was entered into the computer and analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 20. Descriptive statistical method was used to summarize data and to determine associations between study variables. Quantitative results were presented in descriptive statistical format like frequency tables, bar charts, and pie charts. Ethical clearance and permission to conduct the research was obtained. Other ethical values and considerations were put in place.