Knowledge and Attitude towards Contraceptive Use among Female University Students in a Higher Institution in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

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Background: The rate of unwanted pregnancies among university students is increasing each year, despite extensive public awareness of and access to contraceptives. The study is centered on women since, historically, when it comes to contraception, women have borne a disproportionate share of the burden, and if birth control fails to work, their bodies will be the ones to bear the consequences. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of female undergraduate students of a higher institution in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, towards contraceptive use. The results of the study may be utilized as a guide to formulate effective health education strategies for university health nurses for this vulnerable population. Methods: A quantitative correlational design was used in this study, which utilized Google Forms to collect data from four hundred fourteen (414) respondents selected through purposive sampling at a higher education institution. The researchers utilized a researcher-made questionnaire to assess general awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward contraceptive use. Results: The study revealed that most of the respondents are generally aware of the proper usage of contraceptives, highly knowledgeable, and have a positive attitude towards contraceptive use. Most of the respondents obtained this knowledge from media sources. Apart from the relationship status, other demographic factors have no significant correlation with the knowledge and attitude towards contraception of the respondents. Notably, results show that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use among undergraduate female students. Conclusion: The research indicates that a knowledge-rich community can have an impact on attitudes toward contraceptive use. The researchers recommend extensive and comprehensive sexual education programs in academic institutions to address this reproductive health concern among university students.