Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge, use and problems encountered with contraceptives among students at the University of Zululand. The study purposed to determine students’ levels of use and knowledge of contraceptives, to examine if the students’ use of contraceptives is determined by their knowledge of contraceptives and also to proffer useful solutions towards the use of contraceptives. Adopting a survey strategy and a sample size of 80 students (n = 66), data was collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Scales was constructed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Relationships between variables were discerned using bivariate correlations. The results of the study showed that students’ knowledge and use of contraceptives were determined by their social and demographic characteristics. The results further showed that there is a significant relationship between students’ knowledge use and experience of problems in the use of contraceptive. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that proper orientation about the correct use of contraceptives should be provided to new students. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p500
Highlights
Unplanned pregnancy is a major medical, social, and public health problem
2.3 The attitude of undergraduate towards contraceptive use According to Ugoji (2008), there is a significant relationship between students’ attitudes towards contraceptive use and their knowledge of contraception
Orubuloye et al (1991) reported that attitude of young adults and adolescent affect their knowledge of reproduction
Summary
Unplanned pregnancy is a major medical, social, and public health problem. This often results in induced abortion, which occurs at a relatively high rate (Ahman and Shah, 2007). The appropriate use of contraceptive has the great potential of reducing abortion and preventing unintended pregnancies. Contraceptives play a significant role in reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Gama, 2008). Given the high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies in Sub Saharan Africa, the promotion of contraceptives use has gained urgent attention of policy makers and international bodies devoted to the promotion of health and wellness. The preponderance of the young population are either at higher levels of education or high school level as such the understanding of knowledge and use of contraceptive among students becomes imperative. It is clear that young people are not using contraceptives like condoms, so they are exposing themselves to serious illnesses like Aids and STI
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