Factors associated with reproductive behavior of low income mothers in Kiandutu slum in Thika Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate maternal factors associated with reproductive behavior of low income mothers in Kiandutu slum in Thika Municipality, Kenya. The family resource management model and the safe motherhood theoretical framework guided the study. A survey of 120 randomly selected mothers was conducted using simple random sampling. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Results showed that the level of education (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.037), income levels (p=0.040), religious affiliation (p=0.007) and attitude towards contraception (p=0.000) had significant relationship with mothers’ reproductive behavior. However, age, marital status, ethnicity contraceptive knowledge and use were not significantly related to reproductive behavior. Implications for fertility, family size, family planning, and involvement of males in reproductive health are included in the discussion. The study recommends that reproductive and sexual health education be made available to women and girls of childbearing age. This will help to empower them to take control of their own fertility.