Determinants of contraceptive knowledge among teenagers in Zimbabwe

An analysis was conducted using the Zimbabwe 1994 demographic health survey data to determine social and demographic factors associated with the knowledge of contraceptive methods among teenagers. The sample comprised of 1486 teenagers. The condom (89.1%) and the pill (88.8%) were the most commonly known contraceptive methods . Teenagers with up to seven years of education were 90% (95%CI 60 %to 98%) and 84% (95% CI 58% to 93%) less likely to have the knowledge of the condom and the pill, respectively, compared to teenagers who had 11 or 12 years of education. Compared to teenagers who were not sexually active, teenagers who were sexually active were 2.94 ((95% CI 1.94 to 4.46) and 4.33 (95% CI 2.73 to 6.86) times more likely to have the knowledge of the condom and the pill, respectively. Listening to the radio everyday was associated with the knowledge of the condom (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.55) and the pill. (OR= 1.51,95%CI 1.04 to 2.21). Watching television every week was only associated with the condom knowledge (OR = 2.81, 95 % CI 1.47 to 5.39). In conclusion, sex education in schools should start early before girls become sexually active. Continued use of electronic media to disseminate information on contraceptives is strongly recommended.