Determinants of long acting reversible contraceptive use among female undergraduate Students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam.

Abstract

Background: Use of modern contraceptive methods in Tanzania is low despite high knowledge of the methods. The consequences accompanying low use of contraceptives include unexpected pregnancies among university students. In order to understand the existing barriers, it is important to find out reasons affecting contraceptive method use. The objective of this study is to assess long acting contraceptive method use among female medical students studying at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Objective: The main objective was to determine utilization of long acting reversible contraceptives and associated factors among female undergraduate students of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences among undergraduate female students. Self-administered questionnaires were given to students who consented to participate in the study. A total of 585 were recruited. Dependent variable of this study was use of long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) whereas social demographics and students’ related attributes were independent variables. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University Ethical Review Board. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25 computer software. Continuous and categorical data were summarized using measures of central tendencies and proportions respectively whereas correlative analysis were done using binary logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) analysis whereby p value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: This study recruited 585 undergraduate female students, which is equal to a recruitment rate of 97.8%. The mean age of the study participants was 26.1 years (standard deviation 3.4).The utilization of LARCs was found to be 19.5%. Of these, 15.4% were using implants and 4.1% were using IUCD. The most commonly reported reasons were use of short term contraceptives 89.1%, fear of side effects 37.4%, followed by fear that LARC use is not suitable for their age. The level of knowledge on LARCs was found to be moderate, 52.6%. Conclusion and recommendations: Use of LARCs among female undergraduate students at MUHAS is low despite their knowledge on the methods. Education should be provided to the students, particularly on side effects of LARCs, suitability of age at which they can start using LARCs as well as easing access of LARCs. It is also important for future researchers to investigate male opinion regarding use of LARCs among female university students; in addition to assessing the role of partner approval with regard to contraceptive uptake by women.