Assessment of Levels of Knowlegde, Attitude and Utilization of Contraceptives among Female Undergraduate Students in Selected Institutions of Higher Learning in Lusaka-zambia

Abstract

Background: Unplanned pregnancy is a major medical, social and public health problem worldwide. Research has shown that at the time of  enrolling into Universities, most women are about two years above the median age of sexual debut, suggesting that they are likely to be sexually active. Hence, throughout the world, female students are at risk of unplanned pregnancies as a result of ineffective or non-use of contraceptives
(Dreyer, 2012; Maja & Ehlers, 2004)

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and utilization of various contraceptives among female undergraduate students in selected institutions of higher learning in Lusaka, Zambia. We enrolled 200 students from the University of  Zambia and the National Institute of Public Administration. Data was collected with the aid of a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted in STATA.

Results: A proportion of 56.5% of participants were sexually active. The prevalence of contraceptive use among participants that were sexually active was 63.7%. Condoms were the most commonly used contraceptive method followed by oral pills. 61% of students showed good attitude toward contraceptive use. 20.5 % of participants had high levels of contraceptive knowledge, 31.0% had moderate where as 48.5% had extremely low levels of contraceptive knowledge.

Conclusion: The study showed evidence that female undergraduate students are sexually active, coupled with low knowledge on contraceptive use.  There is need for more educational programs, and provision of contraceptives among female students' on options in institutions of higher learning.