Contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice among secondary school girls in Morogoro municipality

Abstract

Background Sexual activity is prevalent among unwanted pregnancy and abortions and there is a significant rate of unwanted pregnancy and abortions leading to health consequences and poor educational attainment. Sexually active adolescents require special information, counseling and services on Reproductive health issues including family planning. There is a wide gap between contraceptive knowledge and use among adolescents. Objective: To determine contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice among secondary school girls and existing barriers to its utilization. Methodology: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Morogoro municipality among secondary school girls aged 14 to 19years. A total of 386 girl students from six non faith based schools were randomly selected to participate. Data was collected by a self administered Swahili questionnaire then analyzed by SPSS version 18.Univariate analysis was conducted to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of modern contraceptives. Chi-square test was conducted to determine the association between the proportions of social demographic characters, knowledge, attitude and contraceptive practice. The p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Fifty eight percent (58%) of respondents had good knowledge on modern contraceptive, 52% had positive attitude towards modern contraceptive and 44% were sexually active. Among the sexually active41% had previously used modern contraceptive. Fear of contraceptive side effect was the most common reason for not using modern contraceptive (57%). Conclusion: This study has shown above average knowledge and positive attitude towards modern contraception among school girls; however contraceptive practice among sexually active group is still low as they face wide range of barriers. Parents should be encouraged to improve their communication with the adolescents about reproductive health issues.