Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate students regarding family planning methods in a selected institution of higher learning

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction and background: The number of unwanted pregnancies among students in institutions of higher learning around the world continues to increase each year despite the awareness and accessibility of family planning methods. As a result, there is minimal evidence from studies done to assess the level of knowledge and determine the attitudes and practices of undergraduate students regarding family planning, particularly at the selected institution of higher learning in Gauteng Province. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and determine the attitudes and practices of undergraduate students regarding family planning in a selected institution of higher learning. The objectives of this study were to: • To assess the knowledge of undergraduate students regarding family planning in a selected institution of higher learning. • To determine the attitudes of undergraduate students regarding family planning in a selected institution of higher learning. • To determine the practices of undergraduate students regarding family planning in a selected institution of higher learning. Research design and methods: The study used a quantitative descriptive design. The population was undergraduate students, and the sample size was 400 students. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The researcher adhered to ethical considerations and rigor. Results of the study: The results of this study revealed that about (n=98.2%) of the respondents had higher knowledge regarding family planning. About (n=82%) of the respondents indicated that they have good access to the services and family planning method that is offered for free. About (n=26.2%) of respondents indicated that healthcare professionals were the largest source of knowledge and advised students to use the method. However, the majority of the respondents, (n=65%), indicated that they are afraid of family planning side effects. About (n=7.8%) reported that they are not using the methods of family planning because they do not know enough about them. About (n=82.8%) of the respondents indicated that birth control/family planning should be available at schools. About (n=44%) of the respondents indicated that they are using family planning methods to prevent pregnancies, and (n=18%) were using the methods to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). About (n=94.8%) of the respondents indicated that it is important to know the methods of birth control/family planning before starting sexual relationships. About (n=0.25%) of the respondents indicated that they fell pregnant at the ages of 15 and 17 years. Conclusion: The findings showed that there was a good level of knowledge about family planning methods. Positive attitudes were identified related to ease of access, methods being easy to use, and prevention of pregnancies and STIs, including HIV. However, the fear of side effects was a hindrance to the use of family planning methods. Early pregnancies among undergraduates’ students indicated an early sexual debut, which was due to a lack of awareness and proper knowledge regarding family planning methods. Key terms/concepts: attitudes; family planning; institution of higher learning; undergraduate students.