Perceptions on girl-child risky sexual behaviors and role Of guidance and counseling in public mixed day secondary Schools in Siaya district, Kenya·

Abstract

Statistics indicate that 29% of the girl-child in Siaya District experience early pregnancy compared to 23 % for Kenya despite the presence of guidance and counseling. Sexual debut in the district is at 16 years compared to Kenya's average of 19 years. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency 'Syndrome (AIDS) prevalence for females aged 15-19 in Siaya District is 23% against 3.5% for males of the same age. The purpose of this study therefore was to establish perceptions on girl-child risky sexual behaviors and role of guidance and counseling in addressing it in public mixed day secondary schools in Siaya District. Objectives ofthe study were to: determine prevalence rate of girl-child risky sexual behaviors, establish perceptions on factors that contribute to girl-child risky sexual behaviors, establish perceptions on psychosocial effects of risky sexual behaviors on the girl-child and establish perceptions on role of guidance and counseling in addressing girl-child risky sexual behaviors. The study was based on a conceptual framework showing how girl-child risky sexual behaviors (dependent variable) are perceived and the role of guidance and counseling (independent variable) in addressing it. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Population comprised of 1,385 form two girls, 86 deputy head-teachers and 86 guidance and counseling heads of departments (HODs). Simple random sampling was used to select 420 girls, 26 deputy head-teachers and 26 guidance and counseling HODs. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data. Reliability of the instruments was determined through test-retest method in a pilot study of 125 girls, 8 deputy headteachers and 8 guidance and counseling HODs. Reliability coefficient of the instruments was determined at 0.78. Content and face validity was ascertained by experts from the department of Educational Psychology, Maseno University. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Qualitative data was transcribed, organized into emergent themes and sub-themes and reported. The study found prevalence rate of: 51.7 % (premarital sex), 44.7 % (early sexual debut) and 33.8 % (pregnancy). Peer pressure, poverty and mass media contributed to risky sexual behaviors the most. Perceived effects of risky sexual behaviors were; poor concentration in class 370 (88.1 %) and shame 356 (84.8 %). Majority of girls 337 (80.2%) felt that they would not approach teachers for counseling . on sexual matters. The Study concluded that girls involved in risky sex which affected them psychosocially and yet guidance and counseling did not adequately address the matter. It was recommended that premarital sex be addressed and resources for counseling program be provided. The study will add new knowledge to literature and assist in sensitizing teachers, parents and students on psychosocial effects involved in girl-child risky sexual behaviors. v