Examining Strategies for Preventing Risky Sexual Behaviors and Teenage Pregnancies among Teenage Mothers in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract: The main purpose of the study was to examine the strategies for preventing risky sexual behaviors and teenage pregnancies among teenage mothers in public secondary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study adopted a concurrent mixed-method with a sample population of 340 participants, 298 teenage mothers, 20 parents and 22 high school Heads of counselling department. Two sub counties were selected based on the increased cases of teenage pregnancy. The study used census sampling technique to select 298 teenage mothers from the schools in Kajiado North and Kajiado west sub-counties. Systematic sampling was used to select parents on the list of the cases recorded at the sub-county offices and counseling teachers was automatically be include from 22 schools. The study employed a modified Parenting Style Four-Factor Questionnaire and interview schedule to measure parenting styles as perceived by the teenagers. The Adolescent Clinical Sexual Behaviors Inventory (ACSBI-S) tool was adopted to collect the respondents’ data on teenage sexual activities. Data from the semi-structured interview guides were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in verbatim. Pearson correlation was used to test relationships between independent and dependent variables. The study concluded that preventing risky sexual behaviors and teenage pregnancies among teenage mothers necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, parental involvement, peer support, empowerment, addressing gender inequality, and collaborative partnerships. Implementing evidence-based strategies within a supportive environment can empower teenage mothers, reduce the risk of subsequent pregnancies, and promote the well-being of both mothers and children.