The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Health Information Seeking Behaviors in Expectant Teenagers: A Study in Kajiado County, Kenya

This study examines the lived experiences of health information-seeking by expectant teenagers in Kajiado County, Kenya. Despite the importance of health information during pregnancy the true behaviours of expecting teenagers when searching for health information are not well understood. Limited research exists that explores the specific challenges, strategies, and perspectives of expectant teenagers in accessing and utilizing health information. The lack of knowledge impedes the creation of focused interventions and support networks that cater to the specific needs of expectant teenagers and enable them to make well-informed health choices. The objective of this qualitative study, which was anchored on a relativist-interpretivist philosophical foundation, utilizing a case study method, was to explore the influence of socio-economic factors on health information-seeking behaviours of expectant teenagers in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study was focused on the Health Belief Model. The target population was expecting teens in Kajiado County. A total of 32 expectant teenagers, aged between 13 and 19 sampled purposively from nearby villages, towns and medical institutions participated in the study. Saturation was attained at the 14th interview while the remaining 18 were utilized in three focus groups of six each for triangulation. Thematic analysis was used as a method of analysis from the obtained recorded narratives. Ethical considerations were all taken to account, like informed consent and confidentiality. The recruitment of research assistants well-versed in culture helped create rapport and rich data. Findings suggest that poverty, lack of resources and inadequate healthcare infrastructure limit opportunity, increasing pre-existing vulnerabilities. Apart from gender discrimination, social stigma associated with teen pregnancy served to further isolate and exacerbate the difficulties in obtaining and utilizing needed health information. The study concludes that socio-economic factors like poverty, gender inequality, education disparities, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure hinder expectant teenagers' access to accurate health information, often leading them to unreliable sources. Therefore, together with inclusive services and peer support from governments and other pertinent authorities, an environment of empathy, autonomy, understanding, and acceptance will create knowledgeable, empowered, and benefit-aware expectant teenagers. The study recommends culturally sensitive education, skilled healthcare communication, income activities, mobile health, and peer support for expectant teens.