Risky Sexual Behaviours and Knowledge of Contraceptives among Adolescent Girls in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Risky sexual behaviours and inadequate knowledge of contraceptives are public health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa among adolescent girls. The objectives of this study were to determine the risky sexual behaviours, knowledge of contraceptives and associated factors among adolescent girls in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. This study used a cross-sectional study design and enrolled adolescent girls aged between 10-19 years in Mwea East, Mwea West and Kirinyaga West Sub-Counties of Kirinyaga County, Kenya. A sample size of 280 girls was obtained using a purposive sampling design. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire in April and May 2023. The independent and dependent variables were compared statistically using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used as the level of significance. Risky sexual behaviours that were reported included sexual debut of 16.28±1.90 years, as well as multiple sexual partners, older sexual partners, unplanned pregnancies, abortion, and discontinuation of education. The sexual debut had a prevalence of 29.3%. The increase in age, having a negative HIV status and residing in the Mwea West Sub-County were significant independent predictors of sexual debut. The knowledge of contraceptives was inadequate at 65.4%. The increase in age and having a parent who was a farmer were significant independent predictors of knowledge of contraceptives among adolescent girls. The study concluded that adolescent girls had risky sexual behaviours and inadequate knowledge of contraceptives. The study recommends that policymakers should promote programs related to sexual and reproductive health by involving all relevant stakeholders to safeguard adolescent girls in Kirinyaga County, Kenya