Factors influencing the use of family planning methods for prevention of pregnancy among undergraduate students : a scoping review

Abstract

BACKGROUND : The number of unwanted pregnancies among students in institutions of higher learning around the world continues to increase each year, despite the accessibility of family planning methods, highlighting persistent gaps in knowledge and use. Previous studies have examined specific factors influencing contraceptive use, but few have comprehensively analysed how demographic, sociocultural, and individual barriers intersect to shape these behaviours. This review addresses this gap by synthesizing recent evidence on factors influencing family planning use among undergraduate students and critically evaluating inconsistencies and research gaps within the existing literature. METHODS : The following databases were used to search for articles: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search, Africa wide, Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition, and APA Psych Info via EBSCOhost and Google Scholar. Google Scholar was used to search for grey literature. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected based on predefined criteria to report recent evidence in this topic. MeSH terms were searched using the following keywords: factors, contraceptives, undergraduate students, and influencing. RESULTS : Of the four hundred and sixty-three (463) identified articles twenty-four (24) met the inclusion criteria. Five (5) themes were identified, namely: demographic variables as contributing factors influencing the use of family planning methods for prevention of pregnancy, knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of family planning for prevention of pregnancy, risk factors and concerns associated with unintended pregnancies, the myths, barriers and stereotypical behaviors impending the use of family planning methods for prevention of pregnancy, and lastly, the usage patterns, type and preferred methods of family planning for prevention of pregnancy. The review highlights contradictions within the literature, such as varying perceptions of risk and the effectiveness of educational interventions, and identifies significant gaps in addressing sociocultural barriers. CONCLUSION : By critically examining how various factors interact to influence undergraduate students’ use of family planning, this review adds to the body of knowledge already in existence. Unlike previous research, it highlights the compounding effects of cultural myths and demographic disparities while identifying subtle gaps in knowledge and access. Practical implications include integrating affordable and accessible family planning services with tailored, culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health education. Addressing these barriers is essential for reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting equitable reproductive health in academic settings.