SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION AND INTERVENTIONS (SRHEI): COUNSELLING PRACTICES IN DELIVERANCE CHURCH, KENYA

Abstract

The literature usually overstates the complex relationship between religion and sexual and reproductive health education for young adults, particularly when it comes to church-based initiatives. This study aimed to comprehend the nature and approach of Deliverance Church of Kenya programmes within their various belief systems in order to guide the development of successful programmes. Interpretive descriptive design was employed. Information was collected at the Mosocho Deliverance church in Kisii region. In-depth interviews were conducted with young adults, pastors and church members. Focus groups were held with parent and youth church groups in addition to youth groups from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The data was analysed using Atlas.ti v.23. Church-based interventions, which are in line with dominant moral beliefs, mostly focus on providing information and abstinence until marriage. These interventions are carried out by integrating them into already-existing church initiatives and working with other parties in specialized fields like contraception. A reductionist focus, a single information-sharing approach, ineffectiveness, superficiality, impracticality, conflicts between religious doctrine and daily reality, and a lack of pastor comprehension and transparency regarding SRHEI were among the limitations noted. Churches have alliances and important communication channels that could be used to support SRHEI initiatives. However, this study raises serious concerns regarding the overall effectiveness of church-led SRHEI projects by highlighting a biassed focus on church teachings and notable conflicts between idealized techniques and real-world implementation.

Keywords: religion, sexual, reproductive health education, youth

Ethics and Conflict of Interest

All ethical rules were observed at each stage of the research. The author declares that he acted in accordance with ethical rules in all processes of the research. The author declares that they do not have any conflict of interest with other persons, institutions or organizations.

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