Youth Awareness and Understanding of Roman Catholic Church Doctrine On Contraception: Evidence from Bungoma County, Kenya

This study examined Roman Catholic youth awareness and understanding of Church doctrine on contraception in Bungoma County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 105 Catholic youth aged 14-35 years through questionnaires and key informant interviews with 8 priests. Findings revealed that while 76.2% of youth reported awareness of Church teaching on contraception, only 30.5% demonstrated comprehensive understanding. Most youth (78.1%) correctly knew the Church prohibits artificial contraception, but fewer (55.2%) understood that natural family planning is permitted. Only 30.5% demonstrated knowledge of theological foundations, and 27.6% had never heard of Humanae Vitae. Church sermons (72.4%) and youth programs (56.2%) were primary information sources, though exposure was infrequent. Qualitative findings revealed surface knowledge without theological foundation, contextual challenges to doctrinal application, and educational deficits in transmission. The study concludes that significant gaps exist between awareness and understanding, necessitating enhanced theological education that explains both what the Church teaches and why.