contraceptive-awareness-knowledge-and-attitude-among-unmarried-young-adults-in-malaysia

Abstract

A lack of accurate sexual knowledge can lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), substantial morbidity and social problems.The aim of this study was to determine awareness, knowledge and attitude toward contraceptives among unmarried young adults in Malaysia.A cross-sectional, survey-based study among unmarried young adults aged between 18-35 years was conducted.Of the 406 participants, male and female respondents were 20.4% (n=83), and 79.6% (n=323) respectively, with 406 (100%) aware of at least one contraceptive method.Overall, the mean total knowledge score obtained was 4.76 ± 2.90 (maximum knowledge score of 12).The total attitude score of the participants was 29.92 ± 4.12 (maximum score of 50).There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards contraception (ρ=0.317,p=0.000).There is an urgent need to educate Malaysian youths about the importance of contraception for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and STDs.