Knowledge and use of contraceptives among tertiary education students in South Africa

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.