Joseph Wamunyokoli2026-07-302026-07-302026-06-17https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/3474UndergraduateThis study examined the influence of Gishu culture on the sexual and reproductive health of teenage girls in Mutoto, Mbale. The study was guided by the concern that certain cultural beliefs and practices within the Gishu community continue to affect the well-being of adolescent girls, especially in relation to teenage pregnancy, early sexual involvement, sexually transmitted infections, and access to reproductive health information and services. The objectives of the study were to examine the cultural practices that influence the sexual and reproductive health of teenage girls, assess the effects of these practices on their well-being, identify challenges faced by teenage girls in accessing reproductive health services, and suggest possible interventions for improving their sexual and reproductive health. The study employed a descriptive research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Questionnaires, and interviews were used to gather data with teenage girls, parents, community leaders, health workers and local authorities in Mutoto. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The findings showed that despite the prevalence of good health and hygiene messages, cultural practices like traditional gender roles, taboos and silence on sexual education, peer influence during cultural events, and negative attitudes towards contraceptive use have significant impact on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls. The study also confirmed that many of the adolescent girls had poor reproductive health knowledge and there were barriers in accessing youth-friendly health services stemming from stigma, fear, and cultural barriers. These factors led to the likelihood of risk of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and school dropout among teenage girls. The study, which was aimed at examining the role of the Gishu cultural practices on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls in Mutoto, found both direct and indirect effects. The study suggested that there is a need for sensitization of the community, the promotion of comprehensive sexual education, creation of youth-friendly health services and parental, school, social workers, and community leaders' engagement in guiding adolescents to adopt responsible behaviour in sexual life. Key words: Gishu culture, sexual and reproductive health, teenage girls, cultural practices, adolescent health, Mutoto, Mbale City.enDissertation