Factors Affecting Contraceptives usage among Pupils in Selected Secondary Schools within Chingola District, Zambia

Abstract

Background: The contraceptives usage among pupils remains a topical issue globally, regionally and locally. Zambia is underpinned by Christian principles and values and despite that, the country continues to record high levels of unplanned pregnancies among pupils and this hampers the education of a girl child. The study has established that most pupils are sexually active and this puts them at a higher risk of getting unplanned pregnancies and consequently dropping out of School. Objective: The study aimed at investigating the “Factors Affecting Contraceptive Usage Among Pupils in Selected Secondary Schools within Chingola District, Zambia”. Methods and Materials: The study used a cross- sectional study design in which 52 pupils from Chingola and Sekela Secondary Schools were included in a study. The study employed semi-questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Conclusion: The study has revealed that pupils are at a higher risk of unplanned pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases despite them having knowledge of contraceptives usage. The study has also indicated that 63.5% of pupils were aware of the existence of contraceptives and their functions as a means of prevention of pregnancies. Therefore, there is need of deliberate move by Ministry of Health through District Health offices to promote accessibility to various methods of contraceptives by pupils especially those in Secondary Schools who are sexually active.